Probably not the best time, but what are the absolute basic requirements to get into LW plugin development? How many years of coding experience? Higher education or even scientific background needed?
I disagree; Once done with simple scripting, move onto more advanced scripts, and begin learning C/C++ to move onto the "new and more interesting ways to crash Lightwave/Your Computer" phase of things.Absolute basic requirements is to have a brain, 10 fingers and at least one functional eye
Now seriously
Start with LScript and Python.
Just start with simple modeling scripts, and try to do small modifications.
You don't need to be worry about math.
If you have finished college math class, you are fine.
You'll find out very soon, if this is for you or not.
When you will handle basic scripting, you can move on to C++ plugins.
Good luck!
I disagree; Once done with simple scripting, move onto more advanced scripts, and begin learning C/C++ to move onto the "new and more interesting ways to crash Lightwave/Your Computer" phase of things.
Being able to resist tearing your hair out when frustrated with something (with me, it's SDK documentation) also helps.
Absolutely agree (hopefully the math classes in WaveRider's country are of a high quality)....If you have finished college math class, you are fine.
I agree with that, yes. I tried C++ a long time ago, thinking I would need to learn it. I gave up after a year. Got tired of rebooting my PC 3rd or 4th compile. I much prefer C#, but you can't write Lightwave plugins in that, unless someone's coded a wrapper for it.Never discourage a traveler at the beginning of the journey!
Learning Python is always plus, for any next career in the CGI.
And the C++, if it is not for him, he need to try it first.
High School Algebra is a necessity, along with basic trig and vectors; not that you have to be able to work the problems by hand, but understanding what it does. None of that is hard, but some people don't 'get' math.Absolutely agree (hopefully the math classes in WaveRider's country are of a high quality).
And I've always thought the reason for this is because:..but some people don't 'get' math.
No. You would have to rewrite entire tool from scratch..** what i want to do is to look at the numeric panels in modeler ** is this possible?
eg. i would like to add an extra line to the modeler > axis translate tool.
C/C++ if you want to use LWSDK.any advice is appreciated. which language do i need, and which files do i need to read?
Such a great reply. Coming from the dev of some of my favourite LW tools of all time... such a positive replyAbsolute basic requirements is to have a brain, 10 fingers and at least one functional eye
Now seriously
Start with LScript and Python.
Just start with simple modeling scripts, and try to do small modifications.
You don't need to be worry about math.
If you have finished college math class, you are fine.
You'll find out very soon, if this is for you or not.
When you will handle basic scripting, you can move on to C++ plugins.
Good luck!
The big jumps occur when you get enough base "vocabulary" and abstractions/patterns to where you can start generalizing (recognizing how those patterns can be applied to other scenarios). It's just layering of abstractions one atop another, and while there might be tons of abstraction layers involved, the actual abstractions involved represent a fairly small set.Such a great reply. Coming from the dev of some of my favourite LW tools of all time... such a positive reply
I find coding really tedious, but I don't do it often enough. If you keep hammering away at it, it's one of those things that gets easier the more time you spend doing it.
As concepts start sinking in, the more complex ideas become easier to understand.