Python scripting in Maya is very similar to MEL scripting. Python scripting has the same access MEL does to Maya functionality with very few limitations (see Current limitations). Python requires a different syntax than MEL, so commands in Python can look very different from their MEL equivalents.
This tutorial is for migrating your MEL scripting experience to a Python scripting environment in Maya. This lesson does not teach Python, only how to use Python scripting in Maya. Maya uses Python 2.5 on all supported platforms.
Python is a highly readable, easy to maintain, high level programming language. Python is widely used in industry due to its simplicity and standard libraries.
To learn Python, try a Getting Started tutorial in Python:
www.python.org/about/gettingstarted/
In this lesson, you learn how to: