Week One : MEL and Python Basics (sourcing, variables, how to call a command, global vs local variables, comparing variables)
The first maddening week will cover the basics of not only MelScript but Python as well, pushing the students to get up to speed quickly. This way students can focus more on one language over the other, if they choose, as well as how Python is used in studios today. In week one, students will go over the basics of both MEL and Python, what is a variable, how to run a command, comparing variables, and a bit more on how the language works.

Week Two : Procedures (global vs local, calling other commands, inputs into a procedure) and Definitions
Procedures/classes/definitions are part of the foundation of MELScript and Python. In week two, we will be covering local vs global procedures , setting up inputs for both languages, and error checking. Also, this week starts getting into the inner workings of both languages, guiding students into writing their second tool.

Week Three : GUIs
Week three dives into creating user interfaces in both Mel, python, and pyMel. Mel and Python use similar commands, but pyMel expands upon Python and allows the scripter an easier approach, and at times, to creating layouts. In week two, we will go over simple and complex UI creations.

Week Four : ScriptJobs
ScriptJobs are scripts that are ran when an event/occurrence happens and triggers the script. These can be very useful when working with UIs and creating tools that interact with the user.

Week Five & Six : Final Script Projects
Final script projects will cover 2 weeks, one week building the GUI and one writing the code. Concepts during these weeks will cover more GUI interaction as well as how to work within your OS, and controlling some outside programs/utilities. Students are allowed to choose which language they'd like to use. Final Script concepts to be determined.

Week Seven : Python API
This week will go thru developing a couple simple utility node plugins thru python and the Maya API. These will cover some of the basics of writing python plugins and what is required of them.

Week Eight : PyQT
the final week will go over using PyQT and getting it working within Maya. PyQT is a GUI designer that works with python and with Maya to allow the scripter to build more complex GUIs with less hand coding.

Level of Ability
Students will require a moderate knowledge of Maya and at least an understanding of scripting,the hypergraph, and the DAG/DG system. As this is a video based class, a broadband internet connection is required. There will be roughly 60 to 120 minutes of video per week, along with weekly PDFs to cover the scripts that are written in the videos for your future reference.

Examples of Work
Some simple scripts to allow the Instructor to assess overall levels of compentency and to illustrate how the students lay out a script.

Software/hardware Requirements
To get the most out of this class, Maya 8.5 is recommended for the Python material, and Maya 2008 is recommended for the Python GUI work in week 4+. A text editor with syntax highlighting is strongly recommended.

Other Requirements
Students need to be familiar with web navigation and browsing, as well as email.

Students need to be familiar with using a bulletin board system (such as CGTalk.com) as well as how to upload attachments to postings for review.