Autodesk MayaThe award-winning Autodesk® Maya® software is a powerful, integrated 3D modeling, animation, visual effects, and rendering solution. The heart of the power and flexibility of the Maya architecture is a patented technology, called the dependency graph (DG). This node-based architecture makes it easy to customize and extend, providing a simple yet powerful method of interconnecting the myriad of operations of which Maya is capable. The fully integrated Maya Embedded Language (MEL) and Python® scripting languages give you high-level access to every aspect of the software so you can create custom windows, reconfigure the user interface, and issue commands from an HTML page. Moreover, the Maya API (Application Programming Interface) completely unlocks the power of Maya for C++ and Python developers, providing direct, low-level access to all scene data required to make effective plug-ins and new types of nodes, shaders, manipulators, file importers and exporters, and more. Read more... NEW ! DevTV: Introduction to Maya Dependency Graph ProgrammingA self-paced video tutorial demonstrating how to get started with Maya dependency graph programming in C++ and Python. MEL Scripting- MEL™ (Maya Embedded Language) is a scripting language at the heart of Maya. Maya’s user interface is created using MEL, and MEL provides an easy way to extend the functionality of Maya. Everything you can do using Maya’s graphical interface can be automated and extended using MEL. Familiarity with MEL can deepen your understanding of and expertise with Maya.
Python Scripting & API- Python™ is a powerful and popular object-oriented scripting language. With the introduction of Python into Maya 8.5, we now provide Python support for calling the Maya commands. In addition, we support the Maya Python API which allows developers to write Maya plug-ins and stand-alone applications without having to learn C++. This integration of Python in Maya empowers production facilities to better integrate Autodesk Maya into your production pipeline.
Maya API- The Maya API increases Maya’s power, customizing and extending Maya in many ways that you never thought possible. It provides functionality for querying and changing the Maya model along with the ability to add new Maya objects to the Maya model. You can use the Maya API to implement two types of code resources: plug-ins which extends the functionality of Maya, and standalones such as console applications which can access and manipulate a Maya model.
Working with the Maya API - Try Maya API for 30 days
You will also find the numerous code samples for Maya API and Python under the “devkit” folder in your Maya installation path.
- Getting Started with Programming in Maya
An overview of the Autodesk OpenMaya API architecture that also applies to Python.
 Maya API Whitepaper (pdf - 159Kb)
- Introduction to Maya API
A brief overview of Maya API and top 10 important classes
Maya API Introduction (pdf - 19Kb)
- NEW ! DevTV: Introduction to Maya Dependency Graph Programming
A self-paced video tutorial demonstrating how to get started with Maya dependency graph programming in C++ and Python.
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Environment RequirementsThe Maya API requires a specific compiler and linker on each of the platforms we support. The compilers listed below are identical to what we use to build Maya 2009. Using these compilers will guarantee binary compatibility when building plug-ins. - Linux 64: gcc 4.1.2
- Mac OS X PPC|Intel: Xcode 2.4.1
- Windows 32|64: Microsoft® Visual C++ ® 8.0 with SP1 and Template Hot fix
- The supported version of Maya 2009 Python libraries is Python version 2.5.1.
Maya Blog
“Mayalicious”: Learn what the Product Manager Cory Mogk has to say about Maya. ADN Course Schedule
Check out our exciting ADN Course Schedule, it changes regularly, so keep an eye on it. We offer Beginner to Advanced courses in various different formats, for specific course suggestions feel free to e-mail us. Join Autodesk Developer Network Media & Entertainment Partner ProgramMembership in the Autodesk Developer Network Sparks partner program gives you access to the Maya API developer knowledge base—including answers to frequently asked development questions as well as direct professional SDK technical support from the Autodesk global team. For more details see www.autodesk.com/developer |