Script The Industry Workhorse
Maya is used in many game and film pipelines. Python is useful for repetitive scene work, asset checks, and rigging tools. Start with a small task you can verify, then build from there.
PyMEL
The object-oriented way to script Maya: scene operations, attributes, and a batch renamer built from scratch.
read ->02Python API
OpenMaya 2.0 for performance-critical tools. MObjects, direct mesh data access, custom commands and DG nodes.
read ->03Rigging With Python
Automate character rigging - joint chains, IK/FK, control curves, and a small auto-rigger to practise putting the pieces together.
read ->Three Levels Of Maya Python
Maya.cmds
The built-in command module. Quick and simple, but verbose and stringly-typed.
PyMEL
An object-oriented wrapper around cmds. Cleaner syntax, better for tool development. Useful for tools where node and attribute access need to stay readable.
Openmaya API
Low-level access to Maya's internals for custom nodes, deformers, and tools that need to be fast.