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Choice of Scripting Language

The following list compiles reasons for the use of one or the other language.

Pro Lua:

> Batteries included - No setup needed

> Therefore shared scripts will guarantee to work in Fusion without setup

> More features in Fusion

> Easier to parse Fusion Tables

> Lighter and faster

> Fusion is shipping with many scripts in Lua that can act as examples


Pro Python:

> Utilization of other Python scripts/apps in the pipeline

> Most major VFX apps use Python

> Allows external scripting for cross-app communication (Studio only)


> Strong standard library

> Higher usage & more third party libraries, scripts, and bindings

> Comes pre-installed in Linux & OSX

The recommendation should always be to stick with the one you know. It makes no sense to learn a completely new language in most cases if you are already familiar with either Lua or Python, especially when scripts and libraries exist that you can rely on.

If you are just starting with scripting, you should stick to Lua if all you care for is Fusion, and you want to make it possible for other artist to utilize your scripts without prior setup. Also the knowledge gained in scripting will be beneficial for writing custom Fuses.

If you are using other VFX applications that eventually also support Python this might be the better choice for Fusion as well. The choice can also depend on the standard libraries or a particular third party library. Research your required environment before making a choice will save you time in the long run.

Regardless Fusion with its FusionScript API will respect your choice.