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Getting Started with Maya

> MEL

Introduction

MEL^TM (Maya Embedded Language) is a powerful command and scripting language that gives you direct control over Maya's features, processes, and workflow.

Maya’s user interface is built using MEL^TM scripts and procedures. When you select menu items or otherwise use the interface, Maya performs the operations by internally running MEL^TM commands. You can type the same MEL commands directly as a quick alternative to selecting menu items or doing other actions.

Although MEL is technically a scripting language, it contains features that are worthwhile and easy to learn even if you have no programming experience.

You can create custom buttons on the shelf so you can run the scripts you have created at the click of the mouse. In this way, you can organize MEL commands into reusable script files that let you:

• Automate tasks you might otherwise do more slowly or tediously with the user interface.
• Use additional Maya features.
• Create custom user interfaces to perform specialized workflows.
• Create new effects.

In this chapter you will be introduced to some of the basic concepts and techniques for working with MEL.