4. GH-Python
Grasshopper Python Basics
What is Python?
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development, as well as for use as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components together. Python’s simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes readability and therefore reduces the cost of program maintenance. Python supports modules and packages, which encourages program modularity and code reuse. The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are available in source or binary form without charge for all major platforms, and can be freely distributed.
You may need Python in Rhino and Grasshopper if you want to:
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Automate a repetitive task in Rhino much faster than you could do manually.
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Perform tasks in Rhino or Grasshopper that you don’t have access to in the standard set of Rhino commands or Grasshopper components.
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Generate geometry using algorithms.
Why do we use Python?
Python is meant to be a simple language to read and write. Python also runs both the Windows and Mac versions of Rhino. Since Rhino Python scripting is available on both platforms, the same Python scripts can run on both breeds of Rhino!
But more importantly: Python is very popular outside of Rhino! Much of what you learn about Python can be applied in many other domains.
Rhino already has a scripting language called RhinoScript why do we need another? RhinoScript is a very easy to use scripting language on Windows. We will continue to support Rhinoscript. But, RhinoScript is based on an little older technology making it less flexible then the more modern Python language. RhinoScript cannot be supported on the Mac platform. It also unfortunately is not supported by the community to the same level as Python.