How to begin scripting with python?

Support Basics & Interface
#1

Absolute beginners question…

I would like to try my hand a scripting the simplest graphic event (e.g., display a sphere) with Blender. However, I have no idea of where to begin. Once Blender has been launched how exactly does one open a editor for Python? From my my browsing there appear to be large numbers of available scripts and games, but I haven’t found a tutorial that gets me started with scripting. A couple pointers on how to get started with a few lines of code would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

#2

Okay, I’ve just found reference to the online book and the chapter on Python Scripting.

#3

If you want to learn python, look at the documentation on http://www.python.org/doc/2.3.4/
Once you’ve learned python and want to code for blender go to http://www.blender.org/modules/documentation/233PythonDoc/
All of these are in the “Blender” module, so eg

import Blender
a = Blender.Object.Get("Camera")
...etc...

To write the script press Shift+F11, add new, type away, press Alt+P

BTW: if you want to write python scripts for the game engine it’s a bit different, you don’t have access to the Blender module, rather a GameLogic (I think it’s called) module, the documentation for which can be found at http://www.blender.org/modules/documentation/gamelogic.pdf