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An Introduction to Scripting in Maya
Rating: 4.0 out of 5(57 ratings)
425 students
Created by3dmotive LLC
Last updated 9/2016
English

What you'll learn

  • Distinguish the difference between MEL and Python Scripting
  • Utilize the scripting reference
  • Understand MEL and Python Syntax
  • Understand Conditional Statements
  • Comprehend the Pros / Cons of Each Language

Course content

1 section • 14 lectures • 2h 13m total length

  • Download Course Files Here!0:05
  • Introduction0:52
  • What is MEL and Python18:26
  • Procedures and Definitions7:08
  • Variables and Scope13:39

    Learn how variables work in Maya scripting: use integers, floats, and strings, pass arguments, and manage scope defined by indentation in Python, with Mel differences like no dollar signs.

  • Arrays and Lists14:55
  • Passby Reference12:17

    Compare pass by value and pass by reference in Maya scripting using mel and Python examples. Learn how variables, scope, and return values influence procedures and data flow.

  • Understanding Iterators19:33
  • Interators Continued14:09

    Explore iterators in Maya scripting, comparing for loops, while loops, and the do while concept between Mel and Python, including how to avoid infinite loops and using rand uniform.

  • Understanding Conditional Statements15:52
  • Refining Conditional Statements8:30
  • Saving and Sourcing5:31
  • Conclusion2:16

    Explore the differences between MEL and Python, create variables and procedures, examine scope and parameter passing, work with lists and conditionals, and learn how to save and source scripts.

  • Bonus Lecture: Further Learning with 3dmotive0:18

Requirements

  • Autodesk's Maya

Description

In this course, instructor Chad Morgan will go through the basics in writing scripts in Maya in both MEL and Python. We will begin by discussing the difference between MEL and Python, why there are two different languages, and the pros and cons to each. We will show you how to bring up the scripting reference which will allow you to search the commands and their parameters so you can learn to create your own scripts. We demonstrate the syntax on both MEL and Python commands in Maya, including passing arguments to them.

We will demonstrate how to create procedures and definitions, what variables are and how to create them, and how to pass variables between procedures and definitions. Following that, we will show, in both MEL and in Python, some of the more common functions in programming. The first are iterators, which allow us to perform the same task over lists of objects and comes in several forms. The second function common to all programming languages is the conditional statement, which allows us to test conditions before executing code and allowing us to branch the program depending on what conditions are met. We finish by demonstrating how to save and reload your scripts in both languages.

(Students - please look under Section 1 / Lecture 1 downloads for the source files associated with the lesson.)

More about the Instructor:

Chad Robert Morgan started his career at LucasArts where, as a newbie to the industry, was fortunate enough to work with some very talented mentors who taught him how to use Maya. Since then, Chad has been trying to pay it forward by sharing what he has learned, first by giving lectures at Autodesk Master Classes, then publishing an article in 3D World magazine, posting tutorials on YouTube, and finally teaming up with 3dmotive. Chad currently lives in Lake Forest, CA with his wife Carol and his son Xander.

Who this course is for:

  • Those looking to get their feet wet with programming and tool creation inside of Maya.

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