I’m going to be working in a production environment where I will be using Maya a lot. I figure that it’s always good to expand one’s skill set, so I want to add a programming/scripting language.
I haven’t programmed anything in quite a while. A few years ago I was okay at Java, but I’ve forgotten most of it.
I was just wondering how you guys would gauge the ease of learning something like Python compared to something like Java. I enjoyed learning Java, and if Python is similar then I definitely want to look into it. However, if it’s loads more difficult I may put it off until a later time and look at something like MEL scripting instead.
Also, in terms of usefulness, would knowing Python really be that much more useful than knowing MEL? I figure that with something like Python it would be applicable to a much broader range of products. But since MEL is simpler, maybe the coding process would go that much faster and result in more efficiency if I’m mainly just working with Maya?
I would suggest learning Python over MEL just because its used more often like you said. Python also gives you more power inside of Maya then MEL. I knew C++ and picked it up quickly in about a day.
If you did some Java before it shouldn’t take that long its not like your first language. Also Maya has some pretty good documentation with examples on its Python commands. If you feel really daring you can get into the Maya Python API and add new functionally.:D:
My knowledge of Java before was pretty basic. I took 1 class on it at the local community college, and the 2nd class was canceled because of lack of students.
I figure, I understand most of the concepts of OOP, but I haven’t yet had the chance to call in other functionality from libraries and such.
I’m actually quite excited about the decision to add a programming language to my skill set. I was always told that I was a very technical thinker, so I might as well put it to good use.