What's New in the General and Modeling API

New Python workspace controls devkit example

A new dockableWorkspaceWidget.py example demonstrates how to create workspace controls using Python. Access the example in the pythonScripts directory of the Maya devkit.

For more information, see Writing Workspace controls.

MDataBlock and MDataHandle enhancements

The MDataHandle class is now declared a friend of the MDataBlock class.

Added the MDataHandle::datablock() method to the MDataHandle class. This method returns the datablock associated with the current data handle.

MFnContainerNode additions

Added new methods to the MFnContainerNode class. These methods are also available for Python API 2.0.

• MFnContainerNode::isCurrent() returns a boolean indicating whether the current container is set to active.
• MFnContainerNode::getCurrentAsMObject() returns the MObject for the currently active container in the scene.
• MFnContainerNode::makeCurrent() to set or clear whether this container should be current.

MQtUtil additions

Added new static methods to the MQtUtil class to provide better support for Maya user interface elements in HiDPI displays. The new methods locate UI elements (pixel maps, cursors, and icons) first in the Qt resources, and then in a file on disk. Next, they return the UI element with the given name. If the autoScale parameter is set to true, the UI element with the appropriate DPI is selected. See the following methods:

• MQtUtil::createPixmap()
• MQtUtil::createCursor()
• MQtUtil::createIcon()

Other general API updates

• The MPxGeometryData::smartCopy() virtual function now returns a boolean.
• Added the MCustomEvaluatorClusterNode::asMObject() method to provide a unique identifier for a cluster object.

Modeling