Houdini: VEX Fundamentals
VEX is a difficult obstacle to overcome when learning Houdini. This course will teach you the important basics and concepts of the VEX language.
What you'll learn
When entering the world of Houdini you'll quickly encounter VEX as an often used tool to solve detailed problems. At first glance VEX might appear to be an overly complex subject to tackle right at the start. In this course, Houdini: VEX Fundamentals, you'll learn how to approach it as any other programming language.
First, you'll explore the syntax and the programming environment.
Then, you’ll discover how to become comfortable using the vocabulary of that language. For VEX that means using the available functions to read and manipulate the given data.
Later, you’ll explore how to apply those functions in a vex-based project.
Finally, you’ll dive into creating a procedural Sci-fi corridor generator that relies on programmed decision-making to get built with your new tool set.
At the end of this course, you'll have the fundamental knowledge to use VEX as an additional solution for your workflows.
Software required: Houdini
Table of contents
Course FAQ
Houdini is a 3D animation software application most commonly used to create visual effects (VFX) in film, TV, and games. It is mainly used for dynamic environments and particle effects, but is also capable of modeling, animating, and rendering.
VEX is basically a general purpose programming language used within Houdini to help set up rendering, shading, lighting, camera parameters and more. It is a similar language to C.
You will learn the basic concepts of the VEX language in Houdini, including:
- VEX syntax
- Basic VEX programming concepts (variables, functions, etc.)
- VEX applied in the geometry context
- Searching and manipulating with VEX
- Segmentation and IDs
- Environment design (corridor, gateway, ceiling, floor)
- Much more
This course is geared toward beginners, but before diving in you should be familiar with the general navigation inside of Houdini.
Anyone who wants to learn the VEX language in Houdini should take this course, especially if you work with or aspire to work with visual effects in any capacity.
You will need the Houdini software in order to follow along and apply the concepts of this course.