MEL
MEL, or Maya Embedded Language, is a scripting language used primarily within Autodesk Maya, a popular 3D computer animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software. Here are some key points about MEL:
- History: MEL was developed by Alias Wavefront (now part of Autodesk) as part of the initial release of Maya in 1998. It was designed to provide an easy way for users to automate tasks, create custom tools, and interact with the Maya user interface programmatically.
- Functionality: MEL allows users to:
- Automate repetitive tasks within Maya.
- Create custom user interfaces and tools.
- Extend Maya's capabilities through scripting.
- Interact with Maya's command structure, nodes, and attributes.
- Syntax: MEL has a C-like syntax, making it relatively straightforward for users familiar with programming languages like C or C++. It supports variables, loops, conditional statements, functions, and procedures.
- Integration: MEL scripts can be run from Maya's Script Editor, embedded within custom buttons or shelves, or executed as part of Maya's startup or scene loading process.
- Community and Resources: There's a vibrant community around MEL scripting, with numerous tutorials, scripts, and forums where users share knowledge and scripts:
- Transition to Python: Although MEL has been integral to Maya, there's been a shift towards using Python for scripting in Maya due to Python's broader application, ease of use, and extensive library support. Autodesk has been promoting Python as the preferred scripting language, though MEL remains fully supported for backward compatibility.
Despite the move towards Python, MEL continues to be a valuable tool for many Maya users, especially those who have invested significant time in learning its syntax or for legacy scripts that are still in use.