How Python Integrates with Poser

There are two basic types of programming languages:

• Compiled: A special program called a compiler reads the code written by the programmer, translates it into a form directly readable by a computer, and creates an executable program that can run on its own on any supported computer platform. Languages such as C++ fit into this category.
• Interpreted: Interpreted programming languages require a special program called an interpreter to run the code written by the programmer. The interpreter reads the commands found in the code and executes them from beginning to end without translating the original code. The drawback to interpreted languages is that they must use the interpreter, and the code can never run as a standalone program. The advantage, however, is that a programmer can change the code and see the results very quickly without having to wait for the code to compile. Additions, edits, and deletions become fast and simple.

PoserPython consists of a standard Python interpreter that has been extended to recognize and execute commands that are not included with the standard Python language. You can, however, pass data back and forth between Poser and other Python scripts, programming languages, and applications.

The standard Poser application contains volumes of data about each item (figure, scene, light, camera, prop, etc.) found within a given scene. You control these parameters via the mouse and interface elements such as menus, buttons, dials, etc. However, you cannot directly manipulate the data itself. This helps make Poser easy to use, but does create limitations. For example, you have no way to automate repetitive tasks or record a complex series of actions for further use. PoserPython circumvents these limitations.

PoserPython exposes much of the raw Poser data. Using Python scripts, you can extract data from Poser, manipulate it, and pass it back into Poser. Essentially, you can program Poser to do what you want, and you are no longer confined to the Poser interface and Poser’s built-in functionality.

Python scripts are add-ons to Poser, and are supposed to be installed into the application installation folder (ex: C:\Program Files\Poser Software\Poser 13 for Windows, and Applications: Poser 13 for Macintosh systems.

PYC creation is disabled by default. To enable it, open the Poser.ini file and change ALLOW_PYTHON_PYC 0 to ALLOW_PYTHON_PYC 1.