Scripting in MAX?

Coding
1

Hi,

I’m starting out scripting in Max and was wondering what the language options are and what you guys recommend?? I’m already very comfortable with Python and have used it extensively in Maya and have recently taken up Motion Builder Python scripting as well.

Thanks,
Sune

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your only option for max scripting is maxscript. blur studios put out a python plugin that is cool, but personally, i am a little leery to put it into production. there is a big thread on cgtalk’s maxscript forums that is worth reading for more information on that. vanilla max install only supports maxscript (and microsoft .net).

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Is .net a full fledged scripting option for Max or is it just for some things?

Anyone else have an opinion on blurs python plug?

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P.s. I know virtually noting about.net, so sorry if that was a stupid question :slight_smile:

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.NET can be accessed in MXS in two ways.

Way #1 - you can call .NET objects into your maxscript directly. This site has some great examples:
http://paulneale.com/tutorials/dotNet/dotNet.htm

Way #2 (the better way) - you can write a .NET assembly in any .NET language you prefer (generally people prefer C#), and load that assembly into maxscript. This site shows some pretty good basics on what you can potentially do with it:

As for Blur’s PyMax, we’ve tried to evaluate it here at Petroglyph and just couldn’t get it to work. They’ve since taken the files off their site to package them better apparently.

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Is there an other option for writing maxscript then the editor of max?

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I’m not aware of any specialized solution outside of 3DS Max, but you can write Maxscript using any text editor. I prefer a text editor called jEdit (http://www.jedit.org/). “Why jEdit?” you ask. Well, it’s free (including source), it has a large library of plugins, it’s platform independent and it has syntax support for Maxscript (requires a separately available syntax file). That said, Max’s built in editor seems to get more powerful with every release.

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Any recomended resources for quickly getting into max scripting, for the experienced mel/python td then? I have a lot on my plate, so some kind of structured learning is prefered.

Thanks a bunch!

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I don’t know if this is what you need. I learned most of the stuff just by going through the maxscript reference in the help menu. You can also go to www.scriptspot.com and reverse engineer the scripts and figure out what works.

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I have some resources. But I have to ask to my professor if I can send them. Will let you know more.

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How about CgTalk Maxscript forum? Great resources there!

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paul neale’s intermediate rigging dvd’s cover some rigging related maxscript. bobo’s dvd’s are also really solid.

good set of dvd’s: (bobo = borislav petrov)
https://www.cg-academy.net/es_catalog/index.php?cPath=27&osCsid=jmku5lnupg4nbchgpgg04uc1sq45jtr0

paul neale’s rigging dvd’s:
https://www.cg-academy.net/es_catalog/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=jmku5lnupg4nbchgpgg04uc1sq45jtr0

both of these guys are active on the cgtalk maxscript forums, which are probably one of the best resources (as already mentioned).

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Thanks for all your input guys! I was planning on getting Paul’s rigging dvd’s anyway, so I think I’ll start there :slight_smile:

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I got permission to give the link from my professor.
http://knol.google.com/k/koen-samyn/maxscript/2lijysgth48w1/35#
He has made everything public. If you have feedback, I can always send it to him.

Check also the other articles of him. Good stuff

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That’s awesome Nysuatro! Thanks a bunch :slight_smile:

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I would suggest the “How To - Practical Examples” in the MAXScript Reference and just the reference in general.