Source code Q&A

Q: Who will benefit from this code?

A: Artists/TDs and aspiring artists/TDs, who want to learn how to use core Python, PyQt and/or Python for Maya/Houdini/Nuke.

Q: What level of knowledge do I need to have?

A: Basic knowledge of Python to be able to read the code and understand the comments.

You will also need basic knowledge of Maya/Houdini/Nuke to be able to test the code.

If you don't have any Python experience, I suggest the official Python tutorial - http://www.python.org/doc/

Q: What can I learn?

A: You will learn how to:

• use core Python to:

• use modules

• save files

• read and parse files

• use strings

• use data structures like lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets

• find patterns using regular expressions

• use exception handling

• use PyQt to:

• create dialog windows with a variety of controls

• create menus and a status bar

• subclass an existing controls to add custom behavior

• connect one type of control to another (e.g. - connect a textbox to a slider)

• process menu actions and button actions

• use stylesheets

• simulate float values

• get around the restrictions set by PyQt's event handling mechanism

• use Python for Maya to:

• create shelf tools, which call Python modules

• determine the number and type of selected objects

• create dialogs and retrieve user input

• retrieve scene settings and node properties

• set scene settings and node properties

• read and write to files

• create new nodes

• determine which channels are animated

• call MEL commands and retrieve their output using Python

• use Python for Houdini to:

• create custom shelf tools

• connect a shelf tool to a PyQt user interface

• create and delete nodes or networks

• set node/network flags

• change focus to a specific node or parameter folder

• work with selections

• clean up 'orphaned' nodes/networks

• create a variety of spare parameters in folders and sub-folders

• use a spare parameter to enable/disable other spare parameters

• connect spare parameters to node channels

• create expressions using formulas and channel references

• call HScript commands and retrieve their output using Python

• create dialog windows with a variety of message types

• open a help browser window and load a helpcard

• determine which channels are animated

• retrieve scene settings and node properties

• set scene settings and node properties

• re-arrange nodes

• create keyframes

• create CHOP networks and read external files

• convert Maya settings like aperture and shutter angle

  • use Python for Nuke to:

  • create a custom shelf

  • create nodes

  • read and set node attributes

  • determine which channels are animated

  • keyframe channels

  • create dialogs and retrieve user input

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