Class Schedule:
Week 1 & 2: MEL and Python Basics (sourcing, variables, how to call acommand, global vs local variables, comparing variables)
The first two weeks of class cover the basics, commands, variables,
how to call a script, testing/comparing variables, loops and other
common topics that create the tools.
Week 3 : Procedures (global vs local, calling other commands, inputs
into a procedure) and Definitions
Procedures/classes/definitions are part of the foundation of MELScript and
Python. In week 3, students will will go over them along with local vs global
procedures (MELScript only), setting up inputs for both languages, and error
checking.
Week 4 : GUIs
In week 4, students will cover MEL GUIs along with a little bit of Python GUIs (PyQT for 2008) These will start from building simple GUIs to more complex ones including having scripts interact with the UI (update
UI buttons) as well as having UI's run commands.
Week 5 : ScriptJobs (MELScript only) and other differences between
MELScript and Python
Because of how scriptJob works, its only available in MEL, but that doesn’t mean you can’t generate one from Python. In week 5, students will learn
how to create scriptJobs and discover what they can be used for, along with a
few differences between MELScript and Python.
Week 6 & 7 : Final Script Projects
Final script projects will cover 2 weeks, one week building the GUI and one writing the code. Concepts during these weeks will cover more GUI interaction as well as how to work within your OS, and controlling some outside programs/utilities. Students are allowed to choose which language they'd like to use. Final Script concepts to be determined.
Week 8 : Q&A week
In this last week, Todd will present a Q & A forum to allow for questions and answers relating to specific scripts/concepts. In addition to the Q & A, there will be some bonus videos and some other useful functions of python not covered in other lessons - a bit more on PyMel, along with some additional material on file i/o thru python.
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Level of Ability
Students will require a moderate knowledge of Maya and at least an understanding of scripting,the hypergraph, and the DAG/DG system.
As this is a video based class, a broadband internet connection is
required. There will be roughly 60 to 120 minutes of video per week, along
with weekly PDFs to cover the scripts that are written in the videos
for your future reference.
Examples of Work
Some simple scripts to allow the Instructor to assess overall levels of compentency and to illustrate how the students lay out a script.
Software/hardware Requirements
To get the most out of this class, Maya 8.5 is recommended for the
Python material, and Maya 2008 is recommended for the Python GUI work
in week 4+. A text editor with syntax highlighting is strongly recommended.
Other Requirements
Students need to be familiar with web navigation and browsing, as well as email.
Students need to be familiar with using a bulletin board system (such as CGTalk.com) as well as how to upload attachments to postings for review.
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