Before Parameters: 2. Oversimplified Groups — The Membership Club 🟢

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$$ \Large \text{Parameters are the controls you use to change how something behaves.} $$

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What is a Parameter?

A parameter is a value that controls something.

Examples:

Size       → how big?
Iterations → how many?
Density    → how much?
Direction  → which way?

Parameters control the operation

Parameters control what the node does with it.

INPUTS ────────┐
               ↓
           [ NODE ] ──→ OUTPUT
               ↑
          PARAMETERS

Parameter are values

A parameter is ultimately just a value the node uses:

Size       = 2
Iterations = 10
Direction  = (0,1,0)

Change the value → Change the result

That's probably the key aha:

Parameter
    ↓
Changes the value
    ↓
Changes the result

Common Parameter Types

Type Description
Float A number that can have decimal values.
Integer A whole number without decimals.
String A piece of text.
Vector Multiple numbers grouped together, representing a direction, position, or scale.
Color A value used to define a color.
File A parameter used to select or reference a file.
Float Ramp A curve that maps an input value to a float value.
Color Ramp A curve that maps an input value to a color.
Toggle A simple on/off switch.
Menu A parameter that lets you choose one option from a list.

image.png

Common Parameter Functions

chf()    // Get a float value
chi()    // Get an integer value
chs()    // Get a string value
chv()    // Get a vector value
chramp() // Get a ramp value

Parameters

Promote Parameter

SOP NODES

parameter_in_sop.mp4

IN VEX

parameter_in_vex.mp4

Continue reading:

4. Oversimplified Variables — A name for a value. 🟢