Maya, as we know, uses three distinct languages: MEL, Python, and C++. In previous chapters, we've used Python in much the same way as we would have used MEL, by creating high-level functionality and controls for Maya. We have seen, however, that the general purpose design of Python has allowed us to do things that we could not otherwise do in MEL. This includes building pure PySide GUIs in Chapter 5, Building Graphical User Interfaces for Maya, and the automation system from Chapter 6, Automating Maya from the Outside. These would simply not have been possible in MEL and would have required some Maya-specific C++ coding.

Another unique application of Python in Maya, and the focus of this chapter, is Python's access to the Maya API. In the previous section, we used the Maya Python API to draw into the active viewport. Having Maya's API exposed to Python means that every single artist and Python hacker has the full, raw power of Maya available. No one...