Python ideas?

Lately I’ve been regretting the fact that I ignored python for so long, when I first heard of it after downloading Blender about 12 years ago(I was 14, crazy time flies) since it can be used in… well… almost everything. I mainly use actionScript 3.0 at my job right now(very close to Java), and know MEL as well. The problem I have, is usually I learn best when there is a problem to solve, but I can’t think of anything to make in particular that isn’t a huge undertaking for my current skill level. Any ideas? I know I can learn it, I just need a goal, but not sure where to start. I will most likely be using it for maya in the future. I guess I’m asking for examples of what things I could start to make. Ultimately I want do something like the modular rigging system that 3D Buzz has a tutorial on, but want to discover it on my own. Or even use it to create other pipeline tools outside of maya as standalone programs.

Here’s a thought. Try building a “three joint rigger” with python (then again in pyMel). A typical finger, arm and leg all have a three joint structure. Sure there is a lot of deviation from this (roll and helper joints, atypical characters, etc) but it’s a good foundation.

So, build a tool that can be aware of the use case (is it a finger, arm or leg) and builds the appropriate controls. This my be too big of a project when you’re first starting out, but it does lead to the notions of modularity which is what an MPR is all about and generally speaking good coding principle, imho.

Right on Chad! If you focus on your current rigging process for something as simple as a two or three joint chain segment, try recreating that step by step in Python, and then define those steps as re-usable functions…you’re on your way.

Modular is the new buzz word for a very simple concept of re-use.

Good luck and have fun!

I wrote a short example in PyMEL here : http://www.3devartist.com/scripting/2011/1/28/what-does-modular-mean-anyway.html

Thanks for that link! super helpful.