07.14.2k
swami*
PixelGuy for Hire!
a.k.a. "codeWarrior()"
SWAMANIMATIONS!
swami@cfl.rr.com

>>>>> Wad-O-MAXScriptTutorials! v1.1 <<<<<

(* => new or updated)

Q. What is "Wad-O-MAXScriptTutorials!"?
A. It is a collection of MAXScript Tutorials I have compiled from various sources.

Q. Who is "Wad-O-MAXScriptTutorials!" for?
A. It is for anybody who wants to learn MAXScript.

Q. What is MAXScript?
A. MAXScript is a scripting language for Discreet's "3D Studio MAX" 3D animation software.
It is a relatively simple (compared to C++ required for Plugins) programming language that
allows one to automate repetitive tasks and create custom applications.
NOTE: MAXscript is itself a plugin.

Q. How do I get the "Wad!"?
A. Contact swami* and you will be put on the emailing list.

Q. How big is the "Wad-O-MAXScriptTutorials!"?
*A. v1.1: ~2.4MB

Q. Why isn't the "Wad-O-MAXScriptTutorials!" posted to the MAXForum?
A. See previous question.

NOTE:
- These tutorials are all readily available on the Web and are in the public domain. I have simply collected them all in one place and provided a readme to summarize the collection.
- Tutorials are provided "as is." I, swami*, assume no responsibility for their use, misuse, or consequences.


E N J O Y ! , s*


>>>>> List-O-Tutorials! <<<<<

*OrigamyTutorials.zip
- OrigamyTutorials.zip is a collection of MAXScript tutorials written by Alexander which have been modified to run off a local harddrive.  User level: beginner.
- Tutorials:
    - Introduction
    - Object Creation
    - User Interface
    - Manipulating Objects
    - Modifiers and Controllers
    - Script Controller
    - Loops and Arrays 

AutodeskTechicalAssitanceDocs.zip
- Six tutorials from the Autodesk site:
    1. Batch convert .3ds files to .max files.
    2. Copying rotation and position controllers.
    3. Creating floating dialog boxes.
    4. Recursive functions.
    5. Using case expressions.
    6. Using external data.

BoboTorials.zip
- Six lessons on the basics.
- One tutorial on installing macroscripts.

Demo.zip
- This is the demo.ms that ships with MAX.
- It also includes the nine support scenes (msdemo1 - msdemo9) which did not make it onto the MAXr3.0 CD.

Expression&ScriptControllers-tut8.zip
- Self-explanatory.

FaceShifter.zip
- "Hardcoding Scripts for Lip Syncing"

Link2Vert.zip
- How to link an object to a vert (MAXr2.5).
- It also includes an updated version of the script to work in r3.x.

Bookmarks-MAXScriptTutorials.html
- Netscape bookmarks to various tutotials/books/forums/etc.



Fundamental comments regarding MAXScript:

MAXScript is its own language!  It was written by John Wainwright.  It is a
plugin itself (Maxscrpt.dll, ~ 4.5MB!) written in C++.  The nature of
MAXScript is explained in MAXScriptHelp, under "Objects and Classes in
Object-Oriented Programming", quote: "MAXScript is internally
object-oriented. All the built-in classes are arranged in an inheritance
hierarchy and most of the built-in functions are polymorphic,... "
Understanding this will go a long way to understanding MAXScript (you may
have to rack your brain a while, though!)  MAXScript is interpreted, whereas
C++ is compiled.  Interpreted languages read a line of code, execute the
instructions, read/execute the next line, and repeat.  Compiled languages
pre-process the source code (the plain text).  The compiler makes several
"passes" thru the source code.  It generates "objects" (NOT related to the
object-oriented concept) which are instruction at a low level (i.e. machine
code).  These objects are then "linked" to create the final "executable"
which the user sees as the "program." Actually, there is a level of
compiling done on MAXScripts. The script is compiled to a "parse-tree" which
creates "tokens" that define the instructions.  But these are NOT objects,
and are NOT linked to create an executable.  So,  MAXScripts are NOT
executables.  They are ASCII text files that are interpreted line by line.

OK, so maybe this is more than you wanted to know, and you just want a
couple good resources to help you learn MAXScript...

MAXScript Resources:

"Mastering 3D Studio MAX R3"
Alexander E. Bicalho [FA] has contributed details on MAXScript, and posted
(03.20.2k):: "There's a book that went to print this week (will be available
early April) from Sybex that has 200 pages devoted to MAXScript. It's
Mastering 3D Studio MAX R3.
Here's a link: www.sybex.com/cgi-bin/rd_bookpg.pl?2561back.html


Bobo has a CD coming out (or already out?).
He posted (03.20.2k):

"...I completed my work, now waiting for DigitalX to finish the voice-overs
and  the interface...

The MAXScript interactive CD-ROM Tutorials will be for people that like to
learn by looking and trying. There will be over 70 tutorials in 7 chapters
with total running time of the screencam AVIs around 8 hours showing the
basics (and some not so basic things) of scripting in practical examples.
Most scripts will be even usable in daily work. All scripts will be also
supplied as source with the CD.
 "