How to analyze VEX code

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24.02.2023

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VEX

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Houdini

Description

Experimenting with VEX code will help us learn this shader language that can be used all over Houdini. Here are a few methods of dissecting and understanding code snippets better.

1 Changing parameters

Analyze what each parameter does by changing values one at a time to view changes.

2 Manipulate input attributes

Change hard-coded values, input attributes and replace global variables to test their effect.

3 Output attributes

Output certain values as attributes to inspect them in the geometry spreadsheet or colorize them using v@Cd or color ramps.

4 Remove parts

Comment out or temporarily remove parts to see what effects disappear.

5 Isolate

Isolate or rewrite certain parts in a new wrangle.

6 Replace

Replace unkown parts by code pieces and functions you understand.

7 Research

Research unknown VEX functions and find additional examples that illustrate their use.

8 Write you own

Write your own simplified and rather short code snippets which also helps memorizing your learnings.

9 Ask AI

AI, if given some context, mostly do a good job at breaking down code and explaining what each line does.

10 Learn more