Here’s a Python version of the first random pyramids code, for Maya:

I know I’m converting now-deprecated MEL code here, but I can use the practice.

# start: triangle face growth
from pymel import *
import random

# make a cone
cone = polyCone(r = 1, h = 1.414214, sx = 3)[0]

for i in range(0,500):
	# get the number of faces of the cone (always 4)
	n = len(cone.f)

	# pick a random face
	sel = cone.f[random.randint(0,n-1)]

	# find approximate center of face
	bb = exactWorldBoundingBox(sel)
	fc = [(bb[3]+bb[0])/2, (bb[4]+bb[1])/2, (bb[5]+bb[2])/2]

	# instance cone
	cone = instance(cone)[0]

	# move instance to face
	cone.t = (fc[0]-.125, fc[1]+.175, fc[2])

	setKeyframe(cone, attribute = "visibility", v = 0, t = 0)
	setKeyframe(cone, attribute = "visibility", v = 1, t = i)

# end

Hoo boy. A random function in an index! And that instance line? The MEL elves are out cold.

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