Perforce automation with Python

Name: Perforce automation with Python
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

Streamlining production processes related to Perforce Version Control System using Python scripting

Created byViacheslav Makhynko

Last updated 11/2024

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Utilize Perforce Python API for automating all common manual user actions
Improve and streamline production management pipelines by introducing Perforce Automation
Construct User Interfaces using PySide6 library and Designer application
Integrate Perforce Automation for custom tools in production
Learn Perforce from user perspective

Course content

4 sections • 21 lectures • 5h 17m total length

Course Introduction5:11
Automate perforce workflows with Python to streamline change lists, checkout, conflict resolution, submissions, and notifications for production teams using the P-40b client and designer application.
How to use this course2:17
This course centers on practical workshops with defined goals and end-state, where we write Python code together; practice hands-on learning with Q&A support and optional version control refresher.
Understanding Version Control System concept3:58
Explore the fundamentals of version control systems and how Perforce, a centralized solution, tracks changes, enables collaboration, and enables rollback of revisions in large codebases and digital assets.

Perforce, Python and Visual Studio Code installation12:36
Set up Perforce with Python by installing Helix Core and P4V, configuring a local on-prem server and workspace, then install Python and Visual Studio Code with the Python extension.
Preparing Debug GUI widget with PySide6 and Designer for features demo16:56
Demonstrates creating a PySide6 GUI with the designer, converting it to Python code, and linking a push button to a log output for a perforce automation demo.

Connecting to Perforce with Python30:38
Learn to connect and disconnect from Perforce using Python by building a dedicated p4 helper, wiring UI controls in a debug widget, and updating a red/green connection status indicator.
Fetching Perforce workspace data22:11
Fetch perforce workspace data by listing files from a server report path with the p4 run command in Python, returning a list of dictionaries describing each file.
Adding Files on Checkout & Marking for Add26:07
Learn Perforce automation with Python by checking out existing files for editing and marking new files for add, demonstrated via designer workspace, change lists, and a debug widget showing results.
Separating files in dedicated Changelists21:42
Learn to move files into a Perforce change list with Python automation. Move checked-out or added files to a change list with a custom description, via a Python helper.
Deleting empty Changelists15:19
Automate deleting empty pending changelists for the current user with Python, outlining manual checks and a Perforce workflow using a debugging widget.
Reverting all files from the given Chanelists18:49
learn to revert all files from a given pending change list in Perforce using Python, featuring a combobox of change lists, a refresh control, and a revert action.
Reverting only unchanged files from the given Changelist10:27
Learn how to revert only unchanged files from a change list using python-based perforce automation, with a boolean option and a ui checkbox, demonstrated with p4v.
Working with Shelves21:58
Learn to manage Perforce shelves by shelving, unshelving, and deleting shelved files within a change list. Use the debug widget to validate changes and basic shelf commands.
Syncing Files11:33
Learn to automate Perforce syncing with Python by updating the client workspace to the latest depot revisions, using direct sync, handling revision checks, and logging sync results.
Handling File Conflicts22:02
Automate Perforce conflict resolution with Python by implementing accept target and accept source, and explore basic merge workflows.
Submitting Files9:42
Automate submitting file changes to the Perforce depot with Python, replacing manual submits with a change-list driven workflow and automated logging.
Perforce Monitoring System. Part 1 – New submits37:40
Develop a Python-based monitoring system to detect new Perforce submits in a report path by monitoring change lists, parsing submit details, and emitting logs via a log signal.
Perforce Monitoring System. Part 2 – Exclusive Checkouts21:15
Extend the Perforce automation with Python to detect exclusive checkout events, locking, and releasing files, using fstat data to track and report who locks and when.
[Workshop] Implementing Perforce automation for Substance Painter exporter6:16
Apply the Perforce automation to a real production tool by using a custom substance painter exporter, integrating the P4 module and helper to export texture sets and manage change lists.

Requirements

Skills: Basics of Python.
Tools: Perforce, Python, VS Code. All have free access.

Description

Welcome to Perforce Automation with Python!

This course is designed to provide you with practical, hands-on learning focused on automating common user actions in Perforce Helix Core – a widely used Version Control System in the tech and creative industries.

You will gain knowledge in transforming tedious manual work your teammates perform every day into a glorious single-button-click solution provided by you. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with the skills to handle tasks such as:

Establishing connections to Perforce servers.
Checking out files and marking files for addition.
Creating and managing changelists, including moving files between them.
Reverting, shelving, and unshelving files.
Syncing files and resolving conflicts.
Submitting files.
Building notification systems to alert users about specific Perforce events, such as new submissions or exclusive checkouts.
Integrating Perforce automation into custom production tools to suit unique project needs.

Lectures are workshops!

This course is all about practice, with every lecture in the core section designed as a hands-on workshop. Each lecture follows a this structure to maximize your learning:

Goal Introduction: I’ll explain what we aim to achieve and show you the final result so you know what to work toward.
Core Hints: You’ll get key insights and tips to guide your implementation.
Coding Together: We’ll write Python code together to reach the goal step by step.

Course Features

Source Code Included: Access the complete scripts covered in the course.
GUI Integration: Learn how to build a debug GUI using PySide6 and QtDesigner to interact with your automation tools effortlessly.
Short and Targeted Lessons: Each lecture addresses a specific task, making it easy to learn at your own pace.

Whether you're a Technical Director, Pipeline Architect, Technical Artist, DevOps or just someone looking to improve your production pipelines with Python, this course will empower you to unlock the full potential of Perforce automation.

Who this course is for:

Technical Artist
Technical/Pipeline Directors
DevOps
Tools programmers
Automation specialists

Perforce automation with Python

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 11min

Setting up working environment2 lectures • 30min

Discovering Perforce Automation with Python14 lectures • 4hr 36min

Course wrap-up2 lectures • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: