Introduction to Python Programming for Maya Animators By Anim TD

Welcome to this Introduction to Python Programming for Maya Animators!

In this course you will go from zero to a comfortable level of programming knowledge that will allow you to create your own tools, automate tedious and boring parts of your workflow and help yourself and your team work a lot more efficiently.

As the title implies, the course will be more relatable to animators, as well as layout and rigging artists, mainly due to the nature of the projects, however anyone working in Maya could benefit from the lectures if they are looking to learn Python programming.

Whether you’re just looking to improve your daily work or considering switching to a technical role, I’m sure this course will bring you a step closer to your goal!

What is covered?

• Foundational programming concepts in Python: Loops, if statements, functions, lists, dictionaries, etc.
• Fundamental techniques and best practices: Even if it’s a beginners course you will learn some best practices that professional TDs and developers use.
• Maya cmds library: The skills you’ll acquire are broad programming skills, but the projects use the cmds library a lot since the tools being created are for Maya.
• Production tools: You will finish the course with actual tools that you can use in your work.
• UIs: You will learn how to create UIs using the built-in libraries in Maya.

What is NOT covered?

• Python classes: Classes are an essential part of Python, and they might be included in the future, however you can create some very powerful tools and scripts without them which is why they are not taught in this course. With that said, once you learn the concepts covered in this course you will be able to understand classes easily.
• PyQt: Qt requires a good understanding of classes, and it’s a more advanced UI framework that might even be worth being in a separate course. For this introductory course the focus is on the UI features of the cmds library which are still very useful and easier to master for someone who just started learning.

Who is this course for?

• Maya artists: This course will NOT teach you how to use Maya, you might learn some new Maya tricks, but it is assumed that you have some basic knowledge of Maya (although you do not need to be advanced at all).
• Complete beginners or people with some basic knowledge of Python.
• Programmers looking to become familiar with Python for Maya. The contents are geared towards beginners, but the projects might help someone become familiar with Maya and its libraries.

Who is this course NOT for?

• Intermediate to advanced programmers: If you already have a good understanding of concepts such as functions, basic data structures, mutability, for loops, etc. you might benefit from a more advanced course.

Best way to approach the course:

• Follow the projects in order: The projects are designed to introduce new concepts naturally as they are needed, from the most basic to more complex, and each project will reuse previous knowledge.
• Deep Dives: The deep dives give you a break from the project to delve deeper into a specific topic. They are placed after a concept has been introduced, you might want to watch them immediately after learning the concept but you can also treat them as a reference library to go back to in the future.
• Source Code: Keep a look out for the resources in each lecture, you will have be able to download the files with the source code for a portion of the project.
• Video Timestamps: Unfortunately this platform doesn’t offer timestamps on videos but you will be able to download text files (in resources) with time codes for important points in the lecture.
• Quizzes and Exercises: You will find quizzes and coding exercises after some lectures, these are optional, but a great way to practice.

FAQs

• Can I become a TD with this course?
  • This is a beginner course which might not be enough to get a job as a professional TD, but it will definitely give you a strong foundation to continue learning what you need.
• Will this help my career?
  • It could, but it depends on your goals, it will definitely make you an asset as someone who has both artistic and technical skills. If you are leaning towards a technical career this will give you a good foundation to continue on that path, which can lead to a very rewarding, stable and well paid career.
• Can I include this course on my LinkedIn?
  • This is not a certification (yet), however it could definitely benefit you to mention that you complete this Python course.
• What if I’m a student and don’t know animation or Maya very well?
  • That’s ok, you don’t need to be a professional not an advanced user. Knowing the very basics such as navigating the viewport and creating a cube will allow you to get started, there might be things you’re not familiar with such as rig references, but you can easily learn them from a free tutorial online.
• Can I use an older Maya version?
  • You can, most of the Maya commands covered will work, however there’s not guarantee that all of them will. If that is the case you can use the Q&A section (or a quick google search) to get help.
• Is this just for animators?
  • Not necessarily. The projects are animation related, which will be a lot more familiar with someone working with animation, layout or rigging than to someone focusing on lighting for example, but the actual programming concepts covered are applicable to all departments.

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