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View Full Version : expression vx. connection editor vs. multiply node

booboo4ever
12-08-2005, 03:51 PM
hello all,

questions -

i have been told that if possible, when rigging and doing other stuff in maya, if possible it is better to use the connection editor than an expression if possible.

so after understanding that, is using a node like the multiply/divide utility or add/subtraction utility in the hypershade just as bad as using an expression.

all i know is that an expression supposedly takes more time to solve, because maya has to do math every frame, and the connection editor is just a one to one relationship so it is faster. so how does the multiply utility compare to these to methods?

thanks as always for any help
seven6ty
12-08-2005, 05:14 PM
Utility nodes good, expressions bad.

Expressions are the slowest way to go. Utility nodes are practically as fast as a direct connection, only the tiniest bit slower, since they're buildt into the rig's hierarchy and will always get evaluated.
john_homer
12-08-2005, 06:17 PM
seven6ty pretty much said it all...

this topic has been covered in great detail before though if you what to know more search the archives.


.j
booboo4ever
12-09-2005, 01:19 AM
thanks for the information, i will try searching a bit through the archives!
M.E.L.
12-09-2005, 03:28 AM
when you're searching, pay attention to the medium in which you're going to be working with. While nodes are great and handy, they do NOT apply to all mediums and when working in games you're extremely limited as to the types of nodes you can work with (remember, whatever you're throwing on that character technically needs to be re-written by programmers for support within the engine).

I'll at least defend expressions to a certain point here and say that they're not really as *evil* as alot of people play them out to be these days :)

Film - nodes/connections
Games - expressions/connections

-s
yenvalmar
12-12-2005, 08:44 PM
for us right brainers, its pretty cool that they are slower too. nah nah :)
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