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Public Types | Public Member Functions | Static Public Member Functions

# MPlug Class Reference
OpenMaya - API module for common classes

This reference page is linked to from the following overview topics: The Dependency Graph, Dependency Graph Plug-ins, Differences between the Maya .NET API and the Maya C++ API, Example C++ plug-in descriptions, Appendix C: Frequently asked questions, Appendix D: API and Devkit limitations.

Search for all occurrences

## Detailed Description

Create and Access dependency node plugs.

MPlug provides methods for creating plugs, and accessing the plugs' dependency node and attributes.

A plug is a point on a dependency node where a particular attribute can be connected. In simple cases the plug and attribute are equivalent. When you have array attributes, however, the plug is more specific in that it indicates which of the array elements is to be connected.

There are two main types of plugs: networked plugs and non-networked plugs. Non-networked plugs can be considered user plugs as they are created by users and belong to users. Networked plugs can be considered dependency node plugs as they are part of the dependency graph and can only be referenced by users.

In every dependency node there is a network or "tree" of plugs indicating connections that have been made to attributes of the node. The plugs in this tree are known as networked plugs as they belong to the dependency node's network.

Non-networked plugs are plugs that you can create in order to establish a new connection to an attribute, or to get or set a value on an attribute. When a connection is made using these plugs, a networked version of the plug is created and added to the dependency nodes network.

A networked plug cannot be explicitly created. They are created when a connection is established for some attribute of the node. Since the allocation of networked plugs is managed exclusively by Maya, a plugin should never reference a networked plug after changes are made to the DG. Instead, use a non-networked version of the plug, or get a new reference to the networked plug.

All a non-networked plug knows is how to uniquely describe the attribute that it references, in fact the purpose of a non-networked plug is to specify, without ambiguity, an attribute of a dependency node. A non-networked plug contains an array of array indices that plot the path from the root plug to this plug.

For simple attributes the plug and attribute are equivalent. Compound attributes are also unambiguous. A plug that refers to an array attribute, however, is more complex as it can refer to the array plug or an element plug in the array.

Several methods are provided for navigating the plug tree. The child() method can be used to retrieve the child plugs of a compound plug. The elementByLogicalIndex() and elementByPhysicalIndex() methods can be used to retrieve the element plugs of an array plug. The parent() and array() methods traverse the tree in the opposite direction: parent() retrieves a compound plug from a child plug, and array() retrieves an array plug from an element plug.

Since connections to arrays are sparse, element plugs have both logical and physical indexes. The logical indexes are used by MEL, and are sparse. Physical indexes, on the other hand, are not sparse. It is guaranteed that the physical indexes will range from 0 to numElements() - 1. Using the physical indexes, iterating over the element plugs in an array is easy:

           // See note below on numElements() method
           for (i = 0; i < arrayPlug.numElements (); i++)
           {
               MPlug elementPlug = arrayPlug [i];
               unsigned int logicalIndex = elementPlug.logicalIndex();
               // ...
           }

This is equivalent to calling elementByPhysicalIndex() since the bracket operator uses physical indexes.

The ancestry of a plug is the tree above the plug: any parents or arrays which this plug belongs to. The selectAncestorLogicalIndex() method provides quick access to element plugs without walking the plug tree. A plug does not need to exist in the datablock or plug tree in order to be constructed using selectAncestorLogicalIndex(), but once a value is requested or set on the plug, it will be added to the datablock if it was not there already. For example:

        MPlug plug(node,attribute);
        // See note below on numElements() method
        unsigned int count = plug.numElements();
        if (0 == count) {
            plug.selectAncestorLogicalIndex(0,attribute);
            plug.setValue(setVal);
            count = plug.numElements(); // count will now be 1 since we added a value

            plug.selectAncestorLogicalIndex(10,attribute);
            MObject getVal;
            plug.getValue(getVal);
            count = plug.numElements(); // count will now be 2 since we asked for a value
        }

Once a value has been added to an array plug, it will usually remain in the datablock as long as the scene is open. The exception is for attributes that have their disconnect behavior set to kDelete: data for these attributes will be deleted when their connection is broken. When a file is saved, only array values that are not at their default values will be written out. Therefore, the number of elements in an array plug may change when the file is read in again.

Note:
  The numElements() call for array plugs returns a value based on the information in the datablock. It is possible to have un-evaluated connected items being excluded from the count since these items are not yet in the datablock. In this case, the numElements() method will return the correct answer if the evaluateNumElements() call is made first. But this cannot be done in the MPxNode::compute() method of a node.

Examples:

  affectsNode.cpp, animCubeNode.cpp, animExportUtil.cpp, animInfoCmd.cpp, anisotropicShader.cpp, apiMeshCreator.cpp, apiMeshCreator.h, apiMeshShape.cpp, apiMeshShape.h, arcLenNode.cpp, backfillShader.cpp, blindComplexDataCmd.cpp, blindDataMesh.cpp, blindDataMesh.h, blindDataShader.cpp, blindDataShader.h, blindDoubleDataCmd.cpp, brickShader.cpp, buildRotationNode.cpp, cellShader.cpp, cgfxAttrDef.cpp, cgfxAttrDef.h, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.h, cgfxVector.cpp, cgfxVector.h, checkerShader.cpp, circleNode.cpp, clearcoat.cpp, closestPointCmd.cpp, closestPointOnCurveCmd.cpp, closestPointOnCurveNode.cpp, closestPointOnCurveNode.h, clothPaintAttrCmd.cpp, componentScaleManip.cpp, compositingShader.cpp, contrastShader.cpp, createClipCmd.cpp, curvedArrowsNode.cpp, customAttrManip.cpp, customImagePlane.cpp, cvColorNode.cpp, cvColorShader.cpp, D3DResourceManager.cpp, D3DViewportRenderer.cpp, dagPoseInfoCmd.cpp, depthShader.cpp, displacementShader.cpp, dynExprField.cpp, dynExprField.h, exampleMRampAttribute.cpp, exportJointClusterDataCmd.cpp, filteredAsciiFile.cpp, findFileTexturesCmd.cpp, findTexturesPerPolygonCmd.cpp, flameShader.cpp, footPrintManip.cpp, footPrintNode.cpp, fullLoftNode.cpp, gammaShader.cpp, genericAttributeNode.cpp, geometrySurfaceConstraint.cpp, geometrySurfaceConstraint.h, geomShader.cpp, hlslShader.cpp, hlslShader.h, hwAnisotropicShader_NV20.cpp, hwColorPerVertexShader.cpp, hwDecalBumpShader_NV20.cpp, hwDecalBumpShader_NV20.h, hwPhongShader.cpp, hwPhongShader.h, hwPhongShaderBehavior.cpp, hwPhongShaderBehavior.h, hwReflectBumpShader_NV20.cpp, hwReflectBumpShader_NV20.h, hwRefractReflectShader_NV20.cpp, hwRefractReflectShader_NV20.h, hwToonShader_NV20.cpp, hwToonShader_NV20.h, hwUnlitShader.cpp, hwUnlitShader.h, interpShader.cpp, intersectCmd.cpp, jitterNode.cpp, lambertShader.cpp, latticeNoise.h, latticeNoiseNode.cpp, lavaShader.cpp, lightShader.cpp, lockEvent.cpp, maTranslator.cpp, meshOpCmd.cpp, meshOpNode.cpp, meshOpNode.h, meshRemapCmd.cpp, meshRemapTool.cpp, meshReorderCmd.cpp, meshReorderTool.cpp, mixtureShader.cpp, motionTraceCmd.cpp, moveManip.cpp, MTextureCache.cpp, multiCurveNode.cpp, narrowPolyViewer.h, nodeInfoCmd.cpp, nodeMessageCmd.cpp, noiseShader.cpp, ownerEmitter.cpp, ownerEmitter.h, particleAttrNode.cpp, particleAttrNode.h, phongShader.cpp, pluginMain.cpp, pnTrianglesNode.cpp, pnTrianglesNode.h, pointOnMeshCmd.cpp, pointOnMeshInfoNode.cpp, pointOnMeshInfoNode.h, pointOnSubdNode.cpp, pointOnSubdNode.h, polyExporter.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, polyModifierCmd.h, polyPrimitiveCmd.cpp, polyTrgNode.cpp, polyWriter.cpp, quadricShape.cpp, renderAccessNode.cpp, rockingTransform.cpp, rockingTransform.h, rockingTransformCheck.cpp, rockingTransformCheck.h, rotateManip.cpp, ShadingConnection.cpp, ShadingConnection.h, shadowMatteShader.cpp, shellNode.cpp, shiftNode.cpp, simpleEmitter.cpp, simpleEmitter.h, simpleFluidEmitter.cpp, simpleFluidEmitter.h, simpleLoftNode.cpp, simpleSpring.cpp, simpleSpring.h, sineNode.cpp, slopeShaderBehavior.cpp, slopeShaderBehavior.h, slopeShaderNode.cpp, slopeShaderNode.h, solidCheckerShader.cpp, splitUVCmd.cpp, splitUVNode.cpp, splitUVNode.h, squareScaleManipContext.cpp, stringFormatNode.cpp, surfaceBumpManip.cpp, sweptEmitter.cpp, sweptEmitter.h, swissArmyManip.cpp, testNobjectNode.cpp, testNobjectNode.h, testNucleusNode.cpp, testNucleusNode.h, torusField.cpp, torusField.h, transCircleNode.cpp, volumeShader.cpp, and weightListNode.cpp.

`#include <MPlug.h>`

List of all members.

## Public Types
enum | MValueSelector { kAll, kNonDefault, kChanged, kLastAttrSelector }
| Which values to generate setAttr commands for. More...
enum | FreeToChangeState { kFreeToChange = 0, kNotFreeToChange, kChildrenNotFreeToChange }
| Plug state returned by isFreeToChange. More...
## Public Member Functions
| MPlug ()
| Constructor.
| MPlug (const MPlug &in)
| Copy constructor.
| MPlug (const MObject &node, const MObject &attribute)
| Constructor.
virtual | ~MPlug ()
| Destructor.
MStatus | setAttribute (MObject &attribute)
| This method is a convenience routine to allow quick movement between attributes on a single node.
MObject | attribute (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method returns the attribute that this plug refers to.
MObject | node (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns the dependency node that this plug belongs to.
MString | name (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns the name of this plug in the form "<i>nodeName</i>.<i>attributeName</i>".
MString | partialName (bool includeNodeName=false, bool includeNonMandatoryIndices=false, bool includeInstancedIndices=false, bool useAlias=false, bool useFullAttributePath=false, bool useLongNames=false, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| By default, this method returns the shortest possible name for the plug, but its parameters can be used to add parts back in.
MStatus | getSetAttrCmds (MStringArray &cmds, MValueSelector valueSelector=kAll, bool useLongNames=false)
| Returns an array of strings containing setAttr commands for this plug and all of its descendent plugs.
bool | isNetworked (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is networked or non-networked.
bool | isArray (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is an array plug.
bool | isElement (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is an element plug.
bool | isCompound (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is a compound plug.
bool | isChild (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is a child plug.
bool | isProcedural (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines if the plug is a procedural plug.
unsigned int | logicalIndex (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns the logical index of the element this plug refers to.
MStatus | selectAncestorLogicalIndex (unsigned int index, const MObject &attribute=MObject::kNullObj)
| This method is a convenience routine to allow quick iteration and construction of plugs with array plugs in their ancestry.
unsigned int | getExistingArrayAttributeIndices (MIntArray &indices, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL)
| This method will return a list of the logical indices of the elements in an array attribute that are either connected or have had their value set.
unsigned int | numElements (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Return the total number of elements in the datablock of this array plug.
unsigned int | evaluateNumElements (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL)
| Return the total number of elements in the datablock of this array plug.
unsigned int | numChildren (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Return the total number of children of this compound plug.
unsigned int | numConnectedElements (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Return the total number of connected element plugs belonging to this array plug.
unsigned int | numConnectedChildren (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Return the number of children of this plug that are connected in the dependency graph.
MPlug | child (MObject &attr, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns a plug to a given attribute that is a child of this plug.
MPlug | child (unsigned int index, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns a plug to a given attribute that is a child of this plug.
MPlug | parent (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns the parent plug.
MPlug | array (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns the array to which this element plug belongs.
MPlug | elementByLogicalIndex (unsigned int logicalIndex, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method will find and return a plug with the given logical index.
MPlug | elementByPhysicalIndex (unsigned int physicalIndex, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method will find and return a plug with the given physical index.
MPlug | connectionByPhysicalIndex (unsigned int physicalIndex, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method will find and return a connected plug with the given physical index for its connection.
bool | connectedTo (MPlugArray &array, bool asDst, bool asSrc, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method finds all of the plugs that this plug is connected with.
bool | isConnected (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines if this plug is connected to one or more plugs.
bool | isKeyable (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines if this plug is keyable.
MStatus | setKeyable (bool keyable)
| This overrides the default keyability of a plug set with MFnAttribute::setKeyable.
bool | isLocked (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines the locked state of this plug's value.
MStatus | setLocked (bool locked)
| Sets the locked state for this plug's value.
bool | isChannelBoxFlagSet (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns true if this plug or its attribute has its channel box flag set.
MStatus | setChannelBox (bool channelBox)
| Sets whether this plug is displayed in the channel box.
bool | isCachingFlagSet (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns true if this plug or its attribute has its caching flag set.
MStatus | setCaching (bool caching)
| Sets whether this plug is cached internally.
bool | isNull (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines whether this plug is valid.
MString | info (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method returns a string containing the name of the node this plug belongs to and the attributes that the plug refers to.
bool | isFromReferencedFile (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| This method determines whether this plug came from a referenced file.
bool | isDynamic (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines whether the attribute is of dynamic type or not.
bool | isIgnoredWhenRendering (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines whether a connection to the attribute should be ignored during rendering.
MPlug::FreeToChangeState | isFreeToChange (bool checkParents=true, bool checkChildren=true, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Returns true if the plug's value is allowed to be set directly.
MDataHandle | constructHandle (MDataBlock &) const
| This method returns a data handle constructed for this plug.
void | destructHandle (MDataHandle &) const
| This method destructs the data handle for this plug.
MStatus | getValue (MObject &val, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (MDataHandle &handle, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (double &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (float &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (int &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (short &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (bool &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (MDistance &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (MAngle &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (MTime &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (char &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | getValue (MString &, MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MObject &val)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MPxData *data)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MDataHandle &handle)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (double)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (float)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (int)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (short)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (bool)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MDistance &)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MAngle &)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (MTime &)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (char)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (const MString &)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MStatus | setValue (const char *)
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
MObject | asMObject (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MDataHandle | asMDataHandle (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
double | asDouble (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
float | asFloat (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
int | asInt (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
short | asShort (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
bool | asBool (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MDistance | asMDistance (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MAngle | asMAngle (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MTime | asMTime (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
char | asChar (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MString | asString (MDGContext &ctx=MDGContext::fsNormal, MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMObject (MObject &val)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMPxData (MPxData *data)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMDataHandle (MDataHandle &handle)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references with the values in the handle.
MStatus | setDouble (double)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setFloat (float)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setInt (int)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setShort (short)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setBool (bool)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMDistance (MDistance &)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMAngle (MAngle &)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setMTime (MTime &)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setChar (char)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MStatus | setString (const MString &)
| Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.
MPlug & | operator= (const MPlug &other)
| Assignment operator.
MPlug | operator[] (unsigned int physicalIndex) const
| This method will find and return a plug with the given physical index.
bool | operator== (const MPlug &other) const
| Comparison operator for MPlugs.
bool | operator== (const MObject &other) const
| Comparison operator for a plug and an attribute.
bool | operator!= (const MPlug &other) const
| The inequality operator for MPlugs.
bool | operator!= (const MObject &other) const
| The inequality operator for a plug and an attribute.
MStatus | setNumElements (unsigned int)
| The method is used to pre-allocate the number of elements that an array plug will contain.
MPlug | operator[] (MObject &attr) const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
| operator MObject () const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
bool | operator! () const
| NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.
bool | isSource (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines if this plug is connected as a source.
bool | isDestination (MStatus *ReturnStatus=NULL) const
| Determines if this plug is connected as a destination.
## Static Public Member Functions
static const char * | className ()
| Returns the name of this class. Search for all occurrences

## Member Enumeration Documentation

enum MValueSelector

Search for all occurrences

Which values to generate setAttr commands for.

Enumerator:

  kAll | All values. Search for all occurrences
  kNonDefault | Non default values. Search for all occurrences
  kChanged | Changed values. Search for all occurrences
  kLastAttrSelector | Last value, for counting. Search for all occurrences

enum FreeToChangeState

Search for all occurrences

Plug state returned by isFreeToChange.

Enumerator:

  kFreeToChange | All tested plugs are free to change. Search for all occurrences
  kNotFreeToChange | Some of the tested plugs are not free to change. Search for all occurrences
  kChildrenNotFreeToChange | Some of the children are not free to change. Search for all occurrences

## Constructor & Destructor Documentation

MPlug | ( |  | ) |

Constructor.

Creates an empty plug.

MPlug | ( | const MPlug & | other | ) |

Copy constructor.

Duplicates the given plug.

Parameters:

  [in] | other | Plug to be copied.

MPlug | ( | const MObject & | node,
|  | const MObject & | attribute
| ) |  |

Constructor.

Creates a new plug for the specified attribute and dependency node.

The new plug can be used to establish or remove a connection to the attribute it references. The plug can also be used to query or set the value of the attribute.

This constructor will only create non-networked plugs. A networked version of this plug is automatically created and added to the dependency node's network when a connection to this plug is established.

Parameters:

  [in] | node | the dependency node this plug belongs to
  [in] | attribute | the attribute this plug refers to

## Member Function Documentation

MStatus setAttribute | ( | MObject & | attribute | ) |

Search for all occurrences

This method is a convenience routine to allow quick movement between attributes on a single node.

If the current plug is a networked plug, it becomes a new non-networked plug referring to the requested attribute. If the current plug is a non-networked plug, it is changed to refer to the requested attribute.

The passed attribute must be the attribute of a plug on the current node.

Parameters:

  [in] | attribute | attribute to change the plug to

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Operating succeeded
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  quadricShape.cpp.

MObject attribute | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method returns the attribute that this plug refers to.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  The attribute that this plug refers to.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The attribute was successfully returned.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

Examples:
  animExportUtil.cpp, apiMeshShape.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, maTranslator.cpp, particleAttrNode.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, and simpleFluidEmitter.cpp.

MObject node | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns the dependency node that this plug belongs to.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  A pointer to this plug's dependency node.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The dependency node was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  animExportUtil.cpp, cgfxAttrDef.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, filteredAsciiFile.cpp, hwPhongShaderBehavior.cpp, particleAttrNode.cpp, and slopeShaderBehavior.cpp.

MString name | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns the name of this plug in the form "<i>nodeName</i>.<i>attributeName</i>".

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | return status

Returns:
  The name of this node

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess operation successful
  - MS::kFailure function set does not have a valid node

Examples:
  affectsNode.cpp, componentScaleManip.cpp, hwPhongShaderBehavior.cpp, rotateManip.cpp, slopeShaderBehavior.cpp, and surfaceBumpManip.cpp.

MString partialName | ( | bool | includeNodeName = `false`,
|  | bool | includeNonMandatoryIndices = `false`,
|  | bool | includeInstancedIndices = `false`,
|  | bool | useAlias = `false`,
|  | bool | useFullAttributePath = `false`,
|  | bool | useLongNames = `false`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

By default, this method returns the shortest possible name for the plug, but its parameters can be used to add parts back in.

Parameters:

  [in] | includeNodeName | If true, then the plug's node name is prefixed to the name of the plug, with a dot separating it from the attribute name. If false, then just the attribute name is returned. (default: false)
  [in] | includeNonMandatoryIndices | If the plug's attribute is a non-instanced element of a multi which is NOT marked as indexMatters, then setting this parameter true will cause its index to be included in the returned string anyway. If the attribute is marked as indexMatters then its array index will be included regardless of the setting of this parameter. If the attribute is instanced then it is not affected by this parameter. See the next parameter instead. (default: false)
  [in] | includeInstancedIndices | If the plug's attribute is an element of an instanced multi, then setting this parameter true will cause the array index to be included in the returned string. For example, if you are planning to append the returned plug name to a node's dagPath, then the instance index is unnecessary as it can be determined from the dagPath. (default: false)
  [in] | useFullAttributePath | Normally, the plug's attribute path is compressed so that any compound ancestors which do not serve to uniquely identify the plug are removed. Setting this parameter true will cause the full attribute path to be used. (default: false)
  [in] | useAlias | Display aliased name if alias exists. (default: false)
  [in] | useLongNames | Normally, short attribute names are used. Setting this true will cause long names to be used. (default: false)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Return status.

Returns:
  The name of the plug.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess operation successful
  - MS::kFailure function set does not have a valid node

Examples:
  affectsNode.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, and maTranslator.cpp.

MStatus getSetAttrCmds | ( | MStringArray & | cmds,
|  | MPlug::MValueSelector | valueSelector = `kAll`,
|  | bool | useLongNames = `false`
| ) |  |

Search for all occurrences

Returns an array of strings containing setAttr commands for this plug and all of its descendent plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | cmds | Array of strings in which the setAttr commands are to be returned.
  [in] | valueSelector |
  kAll | - | return setAttr commands for the plug and its children, regardless of their values.
  kNonDefault | - | only return setAttr commands for the plug or its children if they are not at their default values.
  kChanged | - | for nodes from referenced files, setAttr commands are only returned if the plug or one of its children has changed since its file was loaded. For all other nodes, the behaviour is the same a kNonDefault.
  Note that if the plug is compound and one of its children has changed, then setAttrs will be generated for *all* of its children, even those which have not changed. (default: kAll)
  [in] | useLongNames | Normally, the returned commands will use the short names for flags and attributes. If this parameter is true then their long names will be used instead. (default: false)

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess operation successful
  - MS::kFailure function set does not have a valid node

bool isNetworked | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is networked or non-networked.

Networked plugs are part of a dependency node network and define points where connections have been made to the nodes attributes.

Non-networked plugs are user created plugs that are used to refer to an attribute of a node so that it can be connected. If the attribute that the plug refers to has been connected then there will also be a corresponding networked plug.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

bool isArray | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is an array plug.

Array plugs refer to array attributes and contain element plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

Examples:
  apiMeshShape.cpp, and polyModifierCmd.cpp.

bool isElement | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is an element plug.

Element plugs refer to array attributes and are members of array plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

bool isCompound | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is a compound plug.

Compound plugs refer to compound attributes and have child plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

Examples:
  polyModifierCmd.cpp.

bool isChild | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is a child plug.

A child plug's parent is always a compound plug.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

bool isProcedural | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines if the plug is a procedural plug.

A procedural plug is one which is created by Maya's internal procedures or by the nodes themselves and which should not be saved to or restored from files.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true
  - false

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

Examples:
  maTranslator.cpp.

unsigned int logicalIndex | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns the logical index of the element this plug refers to.

The logical index is a sparse index, equivalent to the array index used in MEL.

This plug must be an element plug, and may be either networked or non-networked.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  The logical array index of the element this plug refers to

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The operation succeeded
  - MS::kFailure Object error - no plug
  - MS::kInvalidDataType This plug is not an element plug

Examples:
  apiMeshShape.cpp, dynExprField.cpp, ownerEmitter.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, simpleEmitter.cpp, sweptEmitter.cpp, and torusField.cpp.

MStatus selectAncestorLogicalIndex | ( | unsigned int | index,
|  | const MObject & | attribute = `MObject::kNullObj`
| ) |  |

Search for all occurrences

This method is a convenience routine to allow quick iteration and construction of plugs with array plugs in their ancestry.

It selects a plug into the current object by changing an ancestor array's logical index.

The passed attribute must be either the attribute of the current plug, or the attribute of an ancestor's plug. It must be an array attribute. By default, it refers to the attribute of the current plug.

If the passed attribute is the attribute of this plug, then this plug will change to refer to its indexth element plug.

For example, consider the following attribute tree. The topmost attribute is a compound attribute "in". It consists of two children: an enum attribute "operation" and a typed attribute "value". Both "value" and "in" are array attributes. To iterate through all of the values, you could write a loop like this:

        MPlug inPlug (node, inAttribute);
        MPlug valuePlug (node, valueAttribute);
        MPlug plug (node, valueAttribute);
        for (i = 0; i < inPlug.numElements (); i++)
        {
            valuePlug.selectAncestorLogicalIndex (i, inAttribute);
            (for j = 0; j < valuePlug.numElements (); j++)
            {
                plug.selectAncestorLogicalIndex (i, inAttribute);
                plug.selectAncestorLogicalIndex (j, valueAttribute);
                // ...
            }
        }

This method is only valid for non-networked plugs since networked plugs are part of a dependency node and can only be modified by making or breaking connections.

Parameters:

  [in] | index | index value to be set
  [in] | attribute | array attribute whose index will be changed

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Operation succeeded
  - MS::kFailure Object error or networked plug

Examples:
  apiMeshShape.cpp.

unsigned int getExistingArrayAttributeIndices | ( | MIntArray & | indices,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  |

Search for all occurrences

This method will return a list of the logical indices of the elements in an array attribute that are either connected or have had their value set.

This method is useful when the logical indices of connected/set elements are sparse.

Parameters:

  [in] | indices | A list to store the logical indices of the set/connected elements.
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  The number of set/connected elements

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The indices were successfully obtained.
  - MS::kFailure Object error.

unsigned int numElements | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Return the total number of elements in the datablock of this array plug.

The return count will include all existing non-connected elements plus connected elements if they have been evaluated. It will not include connected elements that have not yet been placed into the datablock. The method MPlug::evaluateNumElements can be used in the sitution where you want an accurate count that includes all connected elements.

This method is only valid for array plugs, as no other plugs have elements.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Total number of elements

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The count was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure The plug is not an array plug or does not contain a valid node or attribute

Examples:
  polyModifierCmd.cpp, and ShadingConnection.cpp.

unsigned int evaluateNumElements | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Return the total number of elements in the datablock of this array plug.

The return count will include both connected and non-connected elements, and will perform an evaluate in order to make sure that the datablock is as up-to-date as possible since some nodes do not place array elements into the datablock until the attribute is evaluated.

Because this method performs an evaluate, it should not be called from within the compute of a node. Instead, if you want to know the number of elements in an array plug while in a compute, use either MDataBlock::inputArrayValue or MDataBlock::outputArrayValue because they are more efficient and will not result in recursion.

This method is only valid for array plugs, as no other plugs have elements.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Total number of elements

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The count was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure The plug is not an array plug or does not contain a valid node or attribute

unsigned int numChildren | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Return the total number of children of this compound plug.

This method is only valid for networked plugs as non-networked plugs contain no information about their children. If this plug is non-networked then a networked version of the plug will be used. If a networked plug does not exist then 0 will be returned.

This method is also only valid for compound plugs or the root plug, since no other plugs have children.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Total number of children

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The count was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  componentScaleManip.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, rotateManip.cpp, and ShadingConnection.cpp.

unsigned int numConnectedElements | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Return the total number of connected element plugs belonging to this array plug.

This method is only valid for networked plugs as non-networked plugs contain no information about their children. If this plug is non-networked then a networked version of the plug will be used. If a networked plug does not exist then 0 will be returned.

This method is also only valid for array plugs, as no other plugs have elements.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Total number of elements

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The count was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error

unsigned int numConnectedChildren | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Return the number of children of this plug that are connected in the dependency graph.

This method is only valid for networked plugs as non-networked plugs contain no information about their children. If this plug is non-networked then a networked version of the plug will be used. If a networked plug does not exist then 0 will be returned.

This method is only valid for compound plugs, since no other plugs have children.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Total number of children

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The count was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error
  - MS::kInvalidDataType This is not a compound plug

MPlug child | ( | MObject & | obj,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns a plug to a given attribute that is a child of this plug.

This method is only valid for compound plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | obj | The child attribute.
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status code.

Returns:
  The child plug

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Child successfully returned
  - MS::kInvalidParameter The given attribute is not a child of this plug
  - MS::kInvalidDataType This is not a compound plug
  - MS::kFailure Object error or the given attribute is NULL

Examples:
  componentScaleManip.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, rotateManip.cpp, and ShadingConnection.cpp.

MPlug child | ( | unsigned int | index,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns a plug to a given attribute that is a child of this plug.

This method is only valid for compound plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | index | The index of the plug to be found
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status code.

Returns:
  The child plug

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Child successfully returned
  - MS::kInvalidParameter The given attribute is not a child of this plug
  - MS::kInvalidDataType This is not a compound plug
  - MS::kFailure Object error or the given attribute is NULL

MPlug parent | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns the parent plug.

The parent plug will always be a compound plug. This method is only valid for networked child plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  The parent of this plug.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The parent was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  anisotropicShader.cpp, apiMeshShape.cpp, backfillShader.cpp, brickShader.cpp, buildRotationNode.cpp, cellShader.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, checkerShader.cpp, compositingShader.cpp, contrastShader.cpp, cvColorShader.cpp, depthShader.cpp, displacementShader.cpp, flameShader.cpp, gammaShader.cpp, geomShader.cpp, hwColorPerVertexShader.cpp, hwPhongShader.cpp, interpShader.cpp, lavaShader.cpp, lightShader.cpp, mixtureShader.cpp, noiseShader.cpp, phongShader.cpp, shadowMatteShader.cpp, shiftNode.cpp, slopeShaderNode.cpp, solidCheckerShader.cpp, and volumeShader.cpp.

MPlug array | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns the array to which this element plug belongs.

This method is only valid for networked element plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  The array of this plug.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The array was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Object error

MPlug elementByLogicalIndex | ( | unsigned int | index,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

This method will find and return a plug with the given logical index.

The logical index is the sparse array index used in MEL scripts. If a plug does not exist at the given Index, Maya will create a plug at that index. This is not the case with elementByPhysicalIndex(). If needed, elementByLogicalIndex can be used to expand an array plug on a node. It is important to note that Maya assumes that all such plugs serve a purpose and it will not free non-networked plugs that result from such an array expansion.

The returned plug may or may not be connected.

Parameters:

  [in] | index | The index of the plug to be found
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  A plug with the given index

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess a plug for the given index was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Could not get a plug for the given index

Examples:
  closestPointOnCurveCmd.cpp, componentScaleManip.cpp, pointOnMeshCmd.cpp, and polyModifierCmd.cpp.

MPlug elementByPhysicalIndex | ( | unsigned int | index,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

This method will find and return a plug with the given physical index.

The index can range from 0 to numElements() - 1. This function is particularly useful for iteration through the element plugs of an array plug. It is equivalent to operator [] (int) This method is only valid for array plugs.

If the returned plug is networked, the networked plug will be returned. Otherwise, a non-networked plug will be returned.

Parameters:

  [in] | index | The physical array index of the plug to be found
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  A plug with the given index

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess a plug for the given index was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Could not get a plug for the given index

Examples:
  polyModifierCmd.cpp, and ShadingConnection.cpp.

MPlug connectionByPhysicalIndex | ( | unsigned int | index,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

This method will find and return a connected plug with the given physical index for its connection.

The index can range from 0 to numConnectedElements() - 1. This method varies from elementByPhysicalIndex in that elementByPhysicalIndex will return plugs pointing to all existing data in the datablock regardless of whether the plug is connected or not.

This method is only valid for array plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | index | The physical array index of the plug to be found
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  A plug with the given index

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess a plug for the given index was successfully returned
  - MS::kFailure Could not get a plug for the given index

bool connectedTo | ( | MPlugArray & | array,
|  | bool | asDst,
|  | bool | asSrc,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

This method finds all of the plugs that this plug is connected with.

This method will always produce the networked version of the connected plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | array | Location for storing connected plugs (allocated by the caller)
  [in] | asDst | Check connections with this plug as destination. If there are such connections, put them in array.
  [in] | asSrc | Check connections with this plug as source. If there are such connections, put them in array.
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If the plug has connections as either source or destination. Note that the array is filled in only with the type of connecting plugs requested by asSrc and asDst. Therefore, the method could return true while the array has nothing in it if, for example, the plug has connections as source but the user passes asSrc = false to the method. The parameters asSrc and asDst have no effect on the boolean return value. Setting one true and one false and then checking the length of the array after calling this method is a way to determine whether the connections are source or destination.
  - false If this plug has no connections

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Method returned successfully
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  cgfxAttrDef.cpp, D3DViewportRenderer.cpp, findTexturesPerPolygonCmd.cpp, maTranslator.cpp, nodeInfoCmd.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, polyWriter.cpp, ShadingConnection.cpp, and slopeShaderBehavior.cpp.

bool isConnected | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Determines if this plug is connected to one or more plugs.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If this plug is connected to another plug
  - false If this plug is not connected to another plug

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Method returned successfully
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  polyModifierCmd.cpp.

bool isKeyable | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Determines if this plug is keyable.

The default keyability of a plug is determined by its attribute, and can be retrieved using MFnAttribute::isKeyable. Keyable plugs will be keyed by AutoKey and the Set Keyframe UI. Non-keyable plugs prevent the user from setting keys via the obvious UI provided for keying. Being non-keyable is not a hard block against adding keys to an attribute.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If this plug is keyable
  - false If this plug is not keyable

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

MStatus setKeyable | ( | bool | keyable | ) |

Search for all occurrences

This overrides the default keyability of a plug set with MFnAttribute::setKeyable.

Keyable plugs will be keyed by AutoKey and the Set Keyframe UI. Non-keyable plugs prevent the user from setting keys via the obvious UI provided for keying. Being non-keyable is not a hard block against adding keys to an attribute.

Parameters:

  [in] | keyable | True if this plug should be keyable

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

bool isLocked | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Determines the locked state of this plug's value.

A plug's locked state determines whether or not the plug's value can be changed.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If this plug's value is locked
  - false If this plug's value is not locked

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  maTranslator.cpp.

MStatus setLocked | ( | bool | locked | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Sets the locked state for this plug's value.

A plug's locked state determines whether or not the plug's value can be changed.

Parameters:

  [in] | locked | True if this plug's value is to be locked

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

bool isChannelBoxFlagSet | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns true if this plug or its attribute has its channel box flag set.

Attributes will appear in the channel box if their channel box flag is set or if they are keyable.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true channel box flag has been set
  - false channel box flag has not been set

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

MStatus setChannelBox | ( | bool | inChannelBox | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Sets whether this plug is displayed in the channel box.

This overrides the default display of a plug set with MFnAttribute::setChannelBox. Keyable attributes are always shown in the channel box so this flag is ignored on keyable plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | inChannelBox | True if this plug should be displayed in the channel box

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

bool isCachingFlagSet | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns true if this plug or its attribute has its caching flag set.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true caching flag has been set
  - false caching flag has not been set

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

MStatus setCaching | ( | bool | isCaching | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Sets whether this plug is cached internally.

Note: turning caching on for a plug will force the plug to become networked. Network plugs take longer to look up in the DG; therefore you should only make a plug cached only if you are certain that the network plug look-up will take less than the saved evaluation cost.

Not all plugs can be made cached (or un-cached). If the attribute is defined to be cached, then you cannot uncache the attribute. As well, you cannot define caching on element plugs.

Parameters:

  [in] | isCaching | True if this plug should be cached

Returns:
  Status code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error
  - MS::kInvalidDataType Plug is a multi or plug is marked permanently cached.

bool isNull | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines whether this plug is valid.

A plug is valid if it refers to an attribute.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true this plug is not valid
  - false this plug is valid

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess This method was successful
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  componentScaleManip.cpp, D3DViewportRenderer.cpp, findTexturesPerPolygonCmd.cpp, hlslShader.cpp, hwPhongShaderBehavior.cpp, moveManip.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, polyWriter.cpp, rockingTransform.cpp, slopeShaderBehavior.cpp, and surfaceBumpManip.cpp.

MString info | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method returns a string containing the name of the node this plug belongs to and the attributes that the plug refers to.

The string is of the form dependNode:atr1.atr2[].attr3 ...

This method is useful for debugging purposes.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Returns a string containing dependency node and attribute information for this plug.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess The string was successfully generated
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  apiMeshShape.cpp, nodeInfoCmd.cpp, and nodeMessageCmd.cpp.

bool isFromReferencedFile | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method determines whether this plug came from a referenced file.

A plug is considered to have come from a referenced file if it is connected and that connection was made within a referenced file.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true plug was created within a referenced file
  - false plug was created within the current scene

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess This method was successful
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  maTranslator.cpp.

bool isDynamic | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Determines whether the attribute is of dynamic type or not.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If the attribute is dynamic
  - false If this attribute is not added by user.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

bool isIgnoredWhenRendering | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

Determines whether a connection to the attribute should be ignored during rendering.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - true If connected, the attribute should be ingored during rendering.
  - false If connected, the attribute should not be ingored during rendering.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

MPlug::FreeToChangeState isFreeToChange | ( | bool | checkParents = `true`,
|  | bool | checkChildren = `true`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Returns true if the plug's value is allowed to be set directly.

A plug isFreeToChange if it is not locked, and it is not a destination or if it is a destination, then it must be a special case (such as connected to an anim curve).

Normally this is not something that needs to be checked, since the DG or MEL operations take care of this for you.

If the parents are not free to change, then the children will not be free to change. However if the parents are free to change, some children may not be free to change.

Parameters:

  [in] | checkParents | Check parent plugs.
  [in] | checkChildren | Check child plugs.
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  - kFreeToChange All tested plugs are free to change.
  - kNotFreeToChange Some of the tested plugs are not free to change.
  - kChildrenNotFreeToChange Some of the children are not free to change.

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Successful completion
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  geometrySurfaceConstraint.cpp.

MDataHandle constructHandle | ( | MDataBlock & | mBlock | ) | const

Search for all occurrences

This method returns a data handle constructed for this plug.

Returns:
  MDataHandle for this plug

MStatus getValue | ( | MObject & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

This method returns a copy of the attribute value for the plug and not a reference. The setObject method of this class can be used to modify the plug's value.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asMObject method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Value exists and is non-null, and contains the correct information
  - MS::kFailure Either the value is a NULL value (kFailure) or the value does not exist (kObjectDoesNotExist failure)

Examples:
  animInfoCmd.cpp, apiMeshShape.cpp, blindDataShader.cpp, cgfxShaderNode.cpp, closestPointCmd.cpp, clothPaintAttrCmd.cpp, componentScaleManip.cpp, curvedArrowsNode.cpp, customAttrManip.cpp, D3DTextureItem.cpp, D3DViewportRenderer.cpp, findFileTexturesCmd.cpp, findTexturesPerPolygonCmd.cpp, hlslShader.cpp, hwDecalBumpShader_NV20.cpp, hwReflectBumpShader_NV20.cpp, hwRefractReflectShader_NV20.cpp, hwToonShader_NV20.cpp, hwUnlitShader.cpp, intersectCmd.cpp, MTextureCache.cpp, pnTrianglesNode.cpp, polyExporter.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, polyWriter.cpp, quadricShape.cpp, rotateManip.cpp, ShadingConnection.cpp, shellNode.cpp, and swissArmyManip.cpp.

MStatus getValue | ( | MDataHandle & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

This method is useful when wanting to retrieve an entire set of values from an array plug with a single call. An MArrayDataHandle can then be constructed from the returned MDataHandle to access the array data values.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

After using the returned MDataHandle, the caller must destroy the handle using MPlug::destructHandle().

Python Notes

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure Object error or internal failure

MStatus getValue | ( | double & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asDouble method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | float & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asFloat method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | int & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asInt method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | short & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asShort method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | bool & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asBool method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | MDistance & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asMDistance method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | MAngle & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asMDGContext method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | MTime & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asMTime method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | char & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asChar method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MStatus getValue | ( | MString & | val,
|  | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See asString method instead.

Parameters:

  [out] | val | Storage for the attribute value
  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure Object error or internal failure

MStatus setValue | ( | MObject & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMObject method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

Examples:
  cgfxShaderCmd.cpp, closestPointOnCurveCmd.cpp, hlslShader.cpp, pluginMain.cpp, pointOnMeshCmd.cpp, polyModifierCmd.cpp, and polyPrimitiveCmd.cpp.

MStatus setValue | ( | MPxData * | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMPxData method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | MDataHandle & | handle | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references with the values in the handle.

This method is most useful when the plug is an array plug, and you've filled the handle with data. Sending the value using this version of setValue will set the handle's data into the datablock and send out the appropriate attributeChanged messages to update the UI related to the attribute.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMDataHandle method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | handle | The handle containing the data to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | double | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setDouble method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | float | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setFloat method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | int | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setInt method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | short | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setShort method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | bool | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setBool method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | MDistance & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMDistance method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | MAngle & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMAngle method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | MTime & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setMTime method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | char | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setChar method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | const MString & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setString method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setValue | ( | const char * | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Python Notes

This method is not available from Python. See setString method instead.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MObject asMObject | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

This method returns a copy of the attribute value for the plug and not a reference. The setObject method of this class can be used to modify the plug's value.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MObject

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Value exists and is non-null, and contains the correct information
  - MS::kFailure Either the value is a NULL value (kFailure) or the value does not exist (kObjectDoesNotExist failure)

MDataHandle asMDataHandle | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

This method is useful when wanting to retrieve an entire set of values from an array plug with a single call. An MArrayDataHandle can then be constructed from the returned MDataHandle to access the array data values.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MDataHandle. When done using the returned handle, the caller must destroy it using MPlug::destructHandle().

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

double asDouble | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as a double

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

float asFloat | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as a float

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

int asInt | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an int

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

short asShort | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as a short

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

bool asBool | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as a bool

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MDistance asMDistance | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MDistance

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MAngle asMAngle | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MAngle

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MTime asMTime | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MTime

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

char asChar | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [in] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as a char

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure

MString asString | ( | MDGContext & | ctx = `MDGContext::fsNormal`,
|  | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL`
| ) |  | const

Search for all occurrences

Retrieve the current value of the attribute this plug references.

The default is to get the value at the current time. To specify an alternate time you must create a timed MDGContext that specifies the time of evaluation.

Parameters:

  [in] | ctx | Context in which to evaluate the plug (Default is normal)
  [out] | ReturnStatus | Status Code

Returns:
  Value of plug as an MString

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure Object error or internal failure

MStatus setMObject | ( | MObject & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setMPxData | ( | MPxData * | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setMDataHandle | ( | MDataHandle & | handle | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references with the values in the handle.

This method is most useful when the plug is an array plug, and you've filled the handle with data. Sending the value using this version of setValue will set the handle's data into the datablock and send out the appropriate attributeChanged messages to update the UI related to the attribute.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | handle | The handle containing the data to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setDouble | ( | double | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setFloat | ( | float | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setInt | ( | int | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setShort | ( | short | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setBool | ( | bool | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setMDistance | ( | MDistance & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setMAngle | ( | MAngle & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setMTime | ( | MTime & | val | ) |

Search for all occurrences

Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setChar | ( | char | val | ) |

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Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MStatus setString | ( | const MString & | val | ) |

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Set the current value of the attribute this plug references.

If the attribute is the destination of a connection then setting the value will have no effect as once the node is re-evaluated the attribute value will be reset.

Parameters:

  [in] | val | The value to which the attribute will be set

Returns:
  Status Code

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess
  - MS::kFailure
  - MS::kLicenseFailure

MPlug & operator= | ( | const MPlug & | other | ) |

Assignment operator.

Copies one plug to another.

Networked plugs are not allowed to be duplicated so if the RHS is a networked plug then a non-networked version is returned.

Parameters:

  [in] | other | the plug to be copied

Returns:
  A reference to the copied plug

MPlug operator[] | ( | unsigned int | physicalIndex | ) | const

This method will find and return a plug with the given physical index.

This is the same as the elementByPhysicalIndex method.

Parameters:

  [in] | physicalIndex | Array index of child plug

Returns:
  A plug with the given index

bool operator== | ( | const MPlug & | other | ) | const

Comparison operator for MPlugs.

Plugs are considered equal if they refer to the same node and attribute unless both plugs are networked. In such cases a pointer comparison is done as there can only be one version of a networked plug.

If either or both plugs are null, the plugs are not considered equal.

Parameters:

  [in] | other | Other plug to compare against

Returns:
  - true If the plugs are equal
  - false If the plugs are not equal

bool operator== | ( | const MObject & | attr | ) | const

Comparison operator for a plug and an attribute.

This actually compares the plug's attribute against the other attribute.

Parameters:

  [in] | attr | Attribute to compare against

Returns:
  - true If the plug's attribute is equal
  - false If the plug's attribute is not equal

bool operator!= | ( | const MPlug & | other | ) | const

The inequality operator for MPlugs.

Plugs are considered equal if they refer to the same node and attribute unless both plugs are networked. In such cases a pointer comparison is done as there can only be one version of a networked plug.

If either or both plugs are null, the plugs are not considered equal.

Parameters:

  [in] | other | Other plug to compare against

Returns:
  - true If the plugs are not equal
  - false If the plugs are equal

bool operator!= | ( | const MObject & | attr | ) | const

The inequality operator for a plug and an attribute.

This actually compares the plug's attribute against the other attribute.

Parameters:

  [in] | attr | Attribute to compare against

Returns:
  - true If the plug's attribute is not equal
  - false If the plug's attribute is equal

MStatus setNumElements | ( | unsigned int | elements | ) |

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The method is used to pre-allocate the number of elements that an array plug will contain.

The plug passed to this method must be an array plug and there must be no elements already allocated.

The numElements() method is used to find the number of elements already in the array plug.

Parameters:

  [in] | elements | new array size

Returns:
  - kSuccess array plug size was changed
  - kFailure failed to change array plug size, plug is not array or array size is already non-zero.

MPlug operator[] | ( | MObject & | attr | ) | const

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Returns a plug to the given attribute.

This is only valid for attributes with no arrays in their ancestry.

Parameters:

  [in] | attr | The attribute of the plug

Returns:
  A plug referring to the given attribute, or a NULL plug if the operation fails.

operator MObject | ( |  | ) | const

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

This method returns the attribute for this plug.

Returns:
  The attribute for this plug

bool operator! | ( |  | ) | const

NO SCRIPT SUPPORT.

Returns true if this plug is not valid.

A plug is considered valid if it refers to an attribute.

Returns:
  - true The plug is NOT valid
  - false The plug is valid

bool isSource | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

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Determines if this plug is connected as a source.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | pointer to a status code object

Returns:
  - true plug is connected as a source
  - false plug is not connected as a source

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Method returned successfully
  - MS::kFailure Object error

bool isDestination | ( | MStatus * | ReturnStatus = `NULL` | ) | const

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Determines if this plug is connected as a destination.

Parameters:

  [out] | ReturnStatus | pointer to a status code object

Returns:
  - true plug is connected as a destination
  - false plug is not connected as a destination

Status Codes:
  - MS::kSuccess Method returned successfully
  - MS::kFailure Object error

Examples:
  meshRemapCmd.cpp, meshRemapTool.cpp, meshReorderCmd.cpp, and meshReorderTool.cpp.

const char * className | ( |  | ) | `[static]`

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Returns the name of this class.

Returns:
  Name of this class.

MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug
MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug MPlug