The Basics of MEL Commands

This chapter describes the process of running an MEL command or script and sees its result. Maya provides useful tools that let one to capture scripts by working in the interface and then using the resulting MEL commands to build shelf buttons. Maya's command line provides a simple and immediate way to run MEL commands. Maya's command feedback line , next to the command line, gives the result from the most recent MEL command or other operation. On Irix and Windows platforms, Maya offers a different version of the command line with which even many experienced Maya users are unfamiliar. By choosing Window > General Editors > Command Shell . . . one can open a window that offers a Maya command line, but retains a convenient history of the commands you type and their results. The Script Editor is a much more extensive interface for entering commands and editing scripts than the command shell. Within the Script Editor, one can execute commands immediately or develop long scripts that can be saved or executed all at once. The Script Editor is divided into two parts: the status message area on the top and the command input area on the bottom. One can type commands and scripts into the command input area, execute them, and see the result in the status message area. While one works in the interface, the interface also generates MEL commands and their results. These commands and results appear in the status message area even when the Script Editor window is hidden. There are several forums on the Internet that offer Maya users the opportunity to exchange scripts and plug-ins, discuss how to approach problems, and give each other assistance.