executing external python script and returning a list?

[Gerard v]

Hi.

I wrote a script using pyAlembic that I can use to parse a file and list contents etc. I am not sure how to execute the external script from within maya, with an argument (path) and return a list that is generated from the script.

I have read up on python's subprocess module and  os.popen but I'm a little confused by the application. (I dont have a programming background)  Is there another way to return a value? It seems pretty complicated for what *seems* to be a basic requirement.

Tried looking for examples online but coming up short. Can anyone point me to either a python-For-Dummies-level explanation, an example or even mention if subprocess is the way to go?

Thanks
Gerard.

[Fredrik Averpil]

Hi Gerard,

Here's an example how you can catch (or list the output) from python's subprocess: http://fredrik.averpil.com/post/63722065215

To source the script and run it within Maya, first do:

import sys

sys.path.append('c:/where/your/script/is/at')

import yourScriptName

And optionally/preferably execute a function inside the module, so it doesn't get run just because you have sourced it (above):

yourScriptName.functionName()

Check out python's "optparse" for a clean way of dealing with arguments. But that's not really applicable when you execute the script within Maya. If executed like described above, you can just supply arguments to the function:

yourScriptName.functionName('hello', 5, 'blue')

// Fredrik

[Gerard Gmail]

Thank you Fredrik. I'll take a look at the example. One caveat is that my external py script imports alembic / py alembic  which prohibits it from being imported in maya 2014.  However it looks like we have the option of moving onto 2015 which seems to be happy with those modules. 

Either way your examples will assist my understanding so thanks again!!

Gerard. 

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