Import plugin (MPxFileTranslator)

[Michael Boon]

Hi, I have a file import script and I want to make it into an importer plugin.

Hopefully someone can help me with these questions:

• Does MPxFileTranslator exist in Python API 2.0? If not, 
• should I use API 1.0 or should I use a different class?
• where can I find documentation for Python API 1.0? I was using the C++ documentation but MFnPlugin.registerFileTranslator is apparently different.
• Should I use MDagModifier to create nodes and assign materials? At the moment, when I assign geometry to shading groups and then use the sets command to look at the shading groups, they show as empty. As a workaround, I'm getting each shading group in Pymel and calling sg.dagSetMembers.evaluateNumElements() to make it update, which seems like a sign that I'm doing it wrong.
• Are there any examples of adding options to importer plugins? Also, can import options be accessed when the user drags a file into the scene? I have a lot of options I'd like to add if I can.

Thanks!

Boon

[I73]

Hey Micheal, I create plugins in the C++ API so pardon if I don't have all your answers, 
MPxFileTranslator exists in the open maya module (class) This is the hook to the API, an example can be found here: 

http://download.autodesk.com/us/maya/2010help/API/custom_node_file_translator_8py-example.html

Should I use MDagModifier to create nodes and assign materials? You can create nodes or you can assign materials directly to mesh, this question is a little confusing. 

 can import options be accessed when the user drags a file into the scene? I have a lot of options I'd like to add if I can.

You're going to want to look into a custom UI (PyQt http://help.autodesk.com/view/MAYAUL/2017/ENU/?guid=__files_GUID_66ADA1FF_3E0F_469C_84C7_74CEB36D42EC_htm)