VEX
Houdini's fast expression language
Also known as: Houdini VEX · VEX wrangle · Attribute Wrangle · Houdini VEX code · VEX language
Definition
VEX is the scripting language of Houdini, used to read and change geometry attributes quickly and in parallel. Most often it is written in an Attribute Wrangle node, where short snippets of code control point positions, colors, normals and any custom attribute across thousands or millions of points at once. It is similar to the C language, runs multi-threaded and is the fastest way to write custom logic in Houdini.
In production
Start with small snippets, such as moving points along their normals or setting a color from a noise value, and use the parameter interface to expose sliders. VEX is also used in shaders and in other node types. Artists who learn a little VEX can build custom tools quickly, and it is a valuable skill for technical art roles and for procedural pipelines.
Tools that use VEX
See also
Attributes (Houdini)
Data stored on points, primitives and vertices
Houdini Digital Asset (HDA)
Packaged Houdini network with parameters
Technical Artist
Bridge between art and engineering
Copy to Points
Scatter objects across points in Houdini
Pixel Processor
Designer node that runs a custom function per pixel
Shader Graph
Visual shader authoring