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Maya Python for Games and Film: A Complete Reference for the Maya Python API
Maya Python for Games and Film is the first book to focus exclusively on how to implement Python with Maya. Written by trusted authorities in the field, this in-depth guide will help you master Maya Python, whether you're a seasoned technical artist looking to make the transition from MEL to Python or an aspiring artist not wanting to scramble for information.
381 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 24, 2013
As a Maya a Technical Artist who has been writing MEL for almost ten years, it's taken me a while to convince myself that it was worth learning Python. I went through a quick Digital Tutors course a while back, and all I really got out of it was a distaste for Python's syntax. But since then I've watched application after application adopt Python as their scripting language; it's become the almost universal language of 3D packages. So this year I decided to give it a second chance, and this book completely changed my mind.
First of all, it is absolutely geared towards programmers or intermediate/advanced tech artists. Beginners will probably be turned off by the level of assumed knowledge. That being said, if you are in the target audience, you won't find a better book. Where the Digital Tutors course went wrong for me was that it just gave a base level understanding of Python without showing why or how I should use it. This book spends its first third just looking at Python as a language, not even as a part of Maya. I had no idea how powerful and sophisticated it was, but Mechtley and Trowbridge provide an excellent explanation of all the mechanics one really needs to know to be successful with the language. As I was learning, I picked up this compiler for my iPad so I could practice, and found it extremely helpful.
The second two thirds of the book are devoted to using Python in Maya. The book avoids simple examples, like say devoting a whole chapter to moving a sphere, and goes straight for the higher functionality you might not expect (interface design, plugins, etc). Again, they did an excellent job of gauging their audience and tailoring the book appropriately.
If you work in Maya, have a programming background, and are interested in making the switch to Python, this book is a game changer. Also, as a textbook for a higher level college course, this would be ideal. I expect I will continue to use it as a trusted reference for a long time to come.
First of all, it is absolutely geared towards programmers or intermediate/advanced tech artists. Beginners will probably be turned off by the level of assumed knowledge. That being said, if you are in the target audience, you won't find a better book. Where the Digital Tutors course went wrong for me was that it just gave a base level understanding of Python without showing why or how I should use it. This book spends its first third just looking at Python as a language, not even as a part of Maya. I had no idea how powerful and sophisticated it was, but Mechtley and Trowbridge provide an excellent explanation of all the mechanics one really needs to know to be successful with the language. As I was learning, I picked up this compiler for my iPad so I could practice, and found it extremely helpful.
The second two thirds of the book are devoted to using Python in Maya. The book avoids simple examples, like say devoting a whole chapter to moving a sphere, and goes straight for the higher functionality you might not expect (interface design, plugins, etc). Again, they did an excellent job of gauging their audience and tailoring the book appropriately.
If you work in Maya, have a programming background, and are interested in making the switch to Python, this book is a game changer. Also, as a textbook for a higher level college course, this would be ideal. I expect I will continue to use it as a trusted reference for a long time to come.
May 6, 2013
Great reference for learning Maya Python and understanding the API, it makes everything clear to understand without going insanely in-depth.
This will help a lot when porting my MEL scripts to PyMel and starting to make my own plugins or nodes, which will be extremely useful.
Not to mention that is introduces a GUI design program that makes creating UIs more streamlined, instead of having to spend the time writing the code. Though of course I still recommended to understand and periodically write UI code by hand.
This will help a lot when porting my MEL scripts to PyMel and starting to make my own plugins or nodes, which will be extremely useful.
Not to mention that is introduces a GUI design program that makes creating UIs more streamlined, instead of having to spend the time writing the code. Though of course I still recommended to understand and periodically write UI code by hand.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews