Accessing geometric data in polygonal models

In this example, we'll be looking at how to get information about polygonal geometry, which will form the basis for more complex scripts.

Getting ready

Create a new scene and make sure that it contains one or more polygonal objects.

How to do it...

Create a new script, name it polyStats.py, and add the following code:

import maya.cmds as cmds

# examine data for a currently-selected polygonal object
def getPolyData():
    selectedObjects = cmds.ls(selection=True)
    obj = selectedObjects[-1]

    vertNum = cmds.polyEvaluate(obj, vertex=True)
    print('Vertex Number: ',vertNum)

    edgeNum = cmds.polyEvaluate(obj, edge=True)
    print('Edge Number: ', edgeNum)

    faceNum = cmds.polyEvaluate(obj, face=True)
    print('Face Number: ',faceNum)

getPolyData()

Running the preceding code will result in information about the currently selected polygonal object being printed.

How it works...

The polyEvaluate command is pretty straightforward and can be used...