C++ API beginner

[wolfsong-lindqvist]

I used to program Java and C++ a few years back and have been scripting MEL a lot since then. Recently I've found some things in my MEL scripts that I would like to move over to C++ and reawaken those skills.

Every book I've looked at is using Visual Studio, but they never explain that software at all. So tried to simply start Visual Studio, but it's way to complexed for what I need as I've never used it and there are no tutorials towards Maya API scripting to be found for it, haven't even found any at Autodesk.

So is there any normal compiler I can use? Would be much simpler then having to use an entire software package which is a maze.

[thnkr]

No, you have to use Visual Studio (if you're on windows) . If all you want is the Maya API, why not go with Python?

[joojaa]

You should copy on of the devikit examples and start doing on top of that so you get feel for the options. The thing is knowing where to start really is 50% of the entire job. I mean ive had to do projects where setting up the environment so it works took 2 weeks doing the actual job 15 minutes and then doing the installer so it actually works on all machines another 2 weeks.

But yes thers nothing particularly hard with visual studio, they even give you wizard that makes the entire project skeleton for you so you can just start writing code directly.

So is there any normal compiler I can use?

visualstudio got one but then you have to use it form command line and link manually. The ide does that for you, but yes you can jsut copy the commandline summary and run that. Aside form the fact that visual studio is pretty good ide.

no tutorials towards Maya API scripting to be found for it, haven't even
found any at Autodesk.

Theres a whole folder and manual section with examples. Coders dont usually get better tutorials than this. (since they are in the devikit folders as ready visual studio products all you need to do is open the project and build -> build solution)

  tried to simply start Visual Studio, but it's way to complexed

Well i think your just having a inital shock reaction, its basically just a glorified text editor.

PS: Det borde inte vara så svårt! Ta de lungt.

[wolfsong-lindqvist]

Thanks.

What I was refering to when it comes to tutorials was not the code, there is lots of that. I was more looking for something that shows Visual Studio with a Maya API example for people who has never used the environment, which you would think Autodesk would have. I'll try taking a look at it again when my current workload cools down. I just needed to do somethings quick and Visual Studio is not very beginner friendly in that account. Once the currently project is done I can always ask the engine team programmers for help with Visual Studio so then it shouldn't be a problem.

I've looked at Python but I really don't like it that much as a language. I feel more comfortable with C++ any day. And on top of that it's just a compatibility mess now in Maya with too many languages, so we've taken the decition to not have Python in our pipeline.

[joojaa]

The point is if you open one of the examples in the devkit then you DONT HAVE TO UNDERSTAND HOW VISUAL STUDIO WORKS. Just take the devkit folder copy it open some arbitrary project delete all their code shove your own in and hit compile -> "The green play button" that's all you need to know, all the rest is just stuff on top 90% of which is of no use for maya.

Audoesk doesn't change anything or do anything special in visual studio. So it doenst make sanse to teach you anything since thats basically same as all other visual studio stuff out there.

What I was refering to when it comes to tutorials was not the code

Visual studio and maya api is only about code. maybe 10% on how to debug in visual studio but still not very hard just drop the option to debug form release and hit the green play button. 

I just needed to do somethings quick and Visual Studio is not very beginner friendly in that account.

You do understand what this sounds like from my point of view?

I've looked at Python but I really don't like it that much as a language.

LOL. You dont code much I see. how about using lisp?*

And on top of that it's just a compatibility mess now in Maya with too many languages,

How exactly is more choice a bad thing? but yes its up to you really.

*as a matter of fact is do use lisp to do maya dev. Its just not very handy at times.

[robert-bonham]

if you find a tutorial, please let me know. i am another c++ noob with the same problem as the original poster. i am trying to follow David Gould's excellent "Complete Maya Programming" book, which focuses on MEL and the c++ API, so python isn't an option for me (at the moment, anyway). i'm sure everything would become clearer to me if i could watch an example video of the VSxxxx to Maya process including MayaPluginWizard installation (like a screencast-style tutorial). not to put words in his mouth, but maybe that's what Eric is getting at.

thanks for you time

[joojaa]

Well they would assume that anybody who wants t write c++ has a degree in computer science. and they would be right in the assumption 90% of the time.

excellent "Complete Maya Programming" book

The book is anot actually worth it, it contains examples that mislead your endeavors, both books are about worth it for maybe 6-10 pages rest of the books are total crap. Not how mayas used, they will just set you back by days and years. STOP NOW. But dont take my word for it.

By the way if the book was worth the money it would have explained all you need to know. (well yes it did, sortof)

i'm sure everything would become clearer to me if i could watch an example video of the VSxxxx to Maya
process including MayaPluginWizard installatio

Well aside from the fact that you couldnt follow the video straight because your folder structure is different, every computer in existence is.

Anyway the problem is that you have already left the land of video tutorials, when you chose to understand scripting and programming. This kind of stuff is 99% written instructions ONLY, so if you want to go further you must start becoming comfortable with text. Programming isnt a area thats comfortably trodden by just doing what others do, because quite simply nobody does the same thing 2 times in code. Whats next video tutorials on how to write a for loop?

So written instructions, see maya manual, except if its maya 2008 or lder you MUST be suing visyual studio 2005 or it will not work. If its 2009 read this:

http://area.autodesk.com/forum/autodesk-maya/wishlist/maya-2008-plug-in-wizard-for-visual-studio-2008/

which adresses the problem for maya 2009

for 2010 read the manual of maya.

So somebody would have to do no less than 20 different vides and still not hit the spot.

PS: you can rest sured taht getting the vizard to work is the least of your troubles when using c++, start using python seriously. and ditch tyhe book its not worth it.

[robert-bonham]

thanks jooja. you've helped me out of many tough spots. yet and still, i would like to see something along the lines of what i described in the above post. i don't have a degree in computer science. also i am a diagnosed dyslexic and as such absorb information much more easily (and correctly) when it is demonstrated. no getting around that.
in any case, i've taken your advice and ditched the D.Gould book. I'm in the market for something to replace it. python/maya api book perhaps?

[joojaa]

diagnosed dyslexic

Mee too, the way you combat that is you read alot*, but ten our edycation sytem tries tos pot this early on.

*not all read faultsresult in misunderstanding one just needs to learn to be roboust. Most humans dont actually need to read 50% of whats written and theys till get it.

PS: fpr sports what version of visual studio and what version of maya. If i would happen to have the versions available then i can looksee, Wont do you any good tough.

[robert-bonham]

but ten our edycation sytem tries tos pot this early on.

alas, not in the States when i grew up. doing a better job of it nowadays.

ps i've both VS2005 sp1 (64) and VS2008 (64), and am trying to write for maya 2009 sp1a (64).
i also have followed every mayaPluginWizard thread i can find and done what was recommended. no joy. i tried the edited mayaPluginWizard available on this site. nada.
looks like VS cant find the necessary libraries when i try to build. always LNK2001 and 2019 errors.

[joojaa]

do you have a mayadir system variable defined? What peth does the project properties under linker options point to?

(click on th bold name and select properties under linker se additional paths)

[robert-bonham]

the linker property "additional library directories" is pointing to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Maya2009\lib. this is correct, no?

[joojaa]

if your mayas installed in that directory then yes,

[robert-bonham]

yep. maya has been installed in it's default directory. i found a small step-bystep pdf for manually setting up vs2005 for use with maya. i would still like to find out what's going on, but untill then, i'll have to make do, i guess.

thx again, jooja. someday soon i'll post some footage of mine. my stuff looks good, thanks in no small way to you. and to Erik Lindqvist, i can send you the link to the step-by-step. just lemme know.

[parth1531988]

hi..I have done my masters in computer science...May i know any book for writting Maya  and/or 3ds max plugins
using COM (Common Object Modelling)???....plz reply as soon as possible...its really urgent

[joojaa]

Maya isnt a COM server. This is not a3dsmax forum.

[joojaa]

be interested in a book on writting Maya

the best book is the manual, its comprhensive and final. And its allways up to date.

To understand the manual you need to understand atleats following programming contexts

a) node networks, the basics behind graph theory
b) pointers, and data ownnership (you downt own data in maya)
c) how maya users use maya.

Reast of everything is basically lookup into the manual or in the DOMAIN knowlege of what yu must supply yourself.