Does anyone know if there is a place/teacher that offers classes for learning the max SDK? I am currently able to code in maxscript but would like to be able to learn how to build plugins. It seems like this is a little more elusive. What would a normal learning path be for this? I assume you would have to learn C++ first correct? I am no longer coastal, so resources may be more difficult to come across.
Thoughts and input appreciated.
I was in the same boat as you some years ago, and today I code c++ plugins each day both at work and at home.
It’s not easy to get into, and as you say – the information about it is not floating around everywhere.
But I can tell a bit about what I think is the best way to move forward from my own experience.
First-
Get the tools you need, visual studio, and the SDK, see if you can get it all running by compiling some of the sample plugin projects, then install the ‘plugin wizard’ and get that working.
Then use the SDK documentation, read through the different chapters that has to do with plugin types and so on, read through it , even if you might not understand everything at first.
Code the examples in the documentation, (a simple exporter is a great start), that way you learn quickly how to handle all the objects in the scenes, get the meshes, write out the data and so on.
Then move forward from there – by focusing on a specific plugin with a specific goal.
And when you get stuck – write here on cgtalk, it’s honestly the best place for SDK questions imho, a lot of helpful people here.
Thanks Stigatle for your input. I came across this page also, which seems to be a good resource. It has a 10 hour video lesson on the SDK.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=7481355
Cheers.