API Guide > Maya Python API >

# Maya Python API 1.0

Maya is an "open" product which means that anyone outside of Autodesk can change existing features or add entirely new features. Our "openness" support includes a Python interface to Maya commands (described elsewhere in the documentation) and a Python interface to the C++ Maya API. We refer to the last item as the Maya Python API. The Maya Python API is available on all of our supported platforms: Microsoft® Windows®(32 and 64 bit), Linux®(64 bit), and Apple® Mac OS® X.

Most of the Maya API is available in the Maya Python API and you can write the following types of solutions:

- Scripts that make use of the wrapper classes and function sets to modify the Maya model.
- Scripted plug-ins that use proxy/MPx classes to add new functionality to Maya. Includes new:
  - Commands that support undo.
  - Nodes that are saved/retrieved in the Maya scene file with appropriate requires lines for the Python script.
- Standalone scripts that make use of the wrapper classes and function sets to modify the Maya model that can be run from the command line.

This documentation only describes the original Maya Python API 1.0. As of Maya 2012, a new API called the Python API 2.0 is available. It is an enhanced version of the original Python API that provides a more Pythonic workflow and improved performance. The documentation for the new API can be found on the Autodesk Maya Developer Center and in the Maya Python API 2.0 section.

#### Topics in this section

- The Development Kit
- Your First Maya Python Plug-in
- Using the Maya Python API
- Differences Between Maya's C++ and Python APIs
- PyQt and PySide Widget Best Practices