Python Introduction

What is Python all about?

· Object Oriented

o    This means its class model supports advanced concepts such as polymorphism, operator overloading, and multiple inheritance.

o    Don’t worry if you don’t understand these terms you’ll find they are much easier to learn with Python than with just about any other Object Oriented Programming language available.

· Open Source

o    Which means it is free; there are no restrictions on copying it, embedding it in your systems or shipping it with your products.

o    The beauty of free means tons of people are using it so there are lots and lots of forums, communities, extra tool being built, and lots of keen programmers that can help you when you get stuck.

· Mostly Interpreted

o    There is no need for an external compiler or debugger as you do not need to compile your code to run it.

· Used for Both Standalone programs and Scripting Applications

o    This multi-purpose language is great for Autodesk Maya because it allows you to use the standard Python language to do Windows type functionality and automation if you need too all in the same Autodesk Maya Python scripts.

Advantages

· Quicker Development Cycle

o    You can make changes on the fly, which means it is well suited to rapid prototyping, because you code, test and debug all within Autodesk Maya.

· It is Extremely Portable

o    Python is written in portable ANSI C, and compiles and runs on virtually every major platform in use today.

o    It is also backwards compatible.

· Large number of existing modules

o    Python is open-source which encourages users to create code and share it with others, so in this spirit there is tons of free modules and documentation available on the web.

Disadvantages

· Possibly Slower language compared to C++

o    Python is slower than its sister, C++ API, because it is not a fully compiled language such as C++ since it is an interpreted language; however speed depends largely on the complexity of the program.

· Discloser

o    There may be occasions when you’d like to release some functionality to an outside party but not disclose exactly how it was implemented, since Python is both the source code as well as what is finally executed, there is no way to separate the two.