Loading a Python script on a Mac ...

# 1 28-12-2011 , 08:11 PM

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I found a cool free little script for creating a dynamic chain in Maya called "Create Dynamic Chain From Curve 1.2.1". However, it's a Python script and I'm just not familiar enough with Python to be able to get it to work. I'm not a scripts guy. I'm kind of ok with MEL, but Python ... not so much. Can anyone walk me through getting this script to function on my Mac? Feel free to treat me like a 6 year old since my adventures into Python have pretty much knocked me down to about that level anyway (apologies to all you Python writing 6 year olds). A step-by step outline would be great.
Thanks in advance to anyone who would waste time on this.

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# 2 28-12-2011 , 08:44 PM

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Have you tried loading the script into the script editor python tab...........dave

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# 3 28-12-2011 , 09:04 PM

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Yes. But I don't think it's as easy as loading MEL. When I did a search on the web for info it seems it's a bit more complicated. I tried to put some of the info I found to use but I'm missing something. Most of the sites I visited I think assume you have a basic working knowledge of Python scripting ... I do not, unfortunately.

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# 4 29-12-2011 , 01:44 PM

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It is just as simple as mel.
You can execute the scripts in the same way.
If you get no error then it has worked, if nothing has happend then the script probably creates functions to call on objects in maya. The function will probably be listed in the script comments or in a seperate readme.

If you get an error can you post it, if you don't get an error and don't know what to do can you link us to the script.

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# 5 29-12-2011 , 05:27 PM

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The script can be found at ...

https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/do...ain-from-curve

This is the Error message I get ...

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# 6 29-12-2011 , 06:13 PM

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I grabbed it but the .pyc file is like in binary or something and is totally unreadable so I cannot figure out what it does or how it works

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"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Isaac Newton, 1675

Last edited by ctbram; 29-12-2011 at 06:15 PM.

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# 7 29-12-2011 , 10:42 PM

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You can get it running by performing the following:

Code:

import sys
sys.path.append("<PATH TO FOLDER HOLDING SCRIPT>")

from chainCreator import *
chainCreator()

However I don't have Maya 2012, so it won't let me run it. PYC files are a pain, as they're compiled (binary) versions of the code.

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

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# 8 30-12-2011 , 04:11 AM

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ah I was wondering what was going on. I am lua guy and have just a tiny bit of python experience. I have never seen a .pyc file before.

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Isaac Newton, 1675

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# 9 30-12-2011 , 03:34 PM

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Thanks for your input NextDesign. Is the bit of code you supplied run from the command line or from the script editor. I'm assuming it doesn't matter ... either/or, right?

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# 10 30-12-2011 , 03:59 PM

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This is what I'm typing in and the error message I'm getting back ...

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# 11 30-12-2011 , 05:33 PM

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This is what I'm typing in and the error message I'm getting back ...

Originally Posted by mtcgs

You need a / before Users, and 2012, instead of 2102. The code I provided is used when the script is not in Maya's script paths.

Do you absolutely need this script? It may be that the script is just broken. There are many others out there.

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Last edited by NextDesign; 30-12-2011 at 05:35 PM.

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# 12 30-12-2011 , 06:19 PM

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Sweet ... that did it. Do you know how long I've mucking around with this thing. Someday I may brush up on my Python knowledge but in the mean time targeted help like this will have to do. Again ... thanks so much for your time.

Cheers, and Happy New Year !

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Loading a Python script on a Mac ...

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