Maya Programming I (MEL)
This course will provide an introduction to Maya Embedded Language (MEL). MEL offers an easy scripting interface for automating, customizing and extending workflows in Maya. MEL has been wrapped with Python bindings in recent versions of Maya, which make it more versatile, powerful and vital scripting to learn. This course will help students to expand their Maya toolset.
Objective: The objective of this course is to provide hands on experience with MEL which would enable students to write scripts to improve their workflow. They will learn procedural techniques to use computation in creative ways within the Maya environment.
Methodology: The course will comprise of lectures and coding demonstration. The students will learn using examples of provided code. Coding assignment will be provided to students to apply the concepts learned during the class. Students would be required to propose and deliver a final project.
Grading: Attendance is mandatory for all classes. Students missing two or more classes will receive a failing or incomplete grade. The final grade would be based 80% assignment and 20 % final project scores.
Prerequisites: Experience with Maya® Software and prior experience with any programming or scripting language.
Course Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center(SDSC) Room # 279 View map (Classroom located on the left end of the highlighted yellow block )
Course Timing: Thursday 6:00 - 9:00 pm , Sept 25th 2008 to November 20th 2006 (8 meetings, no class October 23rd)
Software: Maya 2008 would be available for classroom usage.
Parking: General UCSD Parking info,
Directions to SDSC
Optional Texts: Self Reading
For Artists For Intermediate Programmers For Advanced Programmers MEL Scripting for Maya Animators
Authors: Mark R. Wilkins and Chris Kazmier
ISBN-10: 1558608419
ISBN-13: 978-1558608412
Complete Maya Programming: An Extensive Guide to MEL and C++ API
Author: David Gould
ISBN-10: 1558608354
ISBN-13: 978-1558608351
Complete Maya Programming, Vol. II: An In-Depth Guide to 3D Fundamentals, Geometry, and Modeling
Author: David Gould
ISBN-10: 0120884828
Instructor
Amit ChourasiaVisualization Scientist
San Diego Supercomputer Center
Home Page
Phone: 858-822-3656
Topics and Assignments:
Week 1
Overview of Maya’s Architecture
Explore Maya's scripting interface
Week 2
Working with attributes and expressions
Expressions Vs MEL
Week 3
Scripting basics: Command Syntax, Understanding Variables, Data types
Programming Structures: Conditional statements, Loops and Logical Operators
Week 4
Writing Procedures
Script Files
Understanding Window Management
Week 5
Designing custom GUI
File IO
Week 6
Particle Systems
Final project proposals
Week 7
Script Job & Script Node
Work on Final Project
Week 8
Catch up on any remaining topics
Final Project Presentation