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BLBlender

Pylinking

by olanders.se·Workflow

Images © olanders.se. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

PyLinking earns its place in the superhive library by connecting Blender's Python scripting to outside editors and GitHub, a workflow addon for people who prefer to write and version their scripts away from Blender's built-in editor.

What is Pylinking?

PyLinking is an addon for Blender that links .py files stored outside Blender so they run inside it. Because the code lives in an external file, you can write it in another tool such as Visual Studio Code rather than inside Blender's own editor.

Keeping scripts in an outside folder also opens up GitHub in a simple way, since the .py files sit where GitHub can read and write them. That makes version control of your Blender Python scripts straightforward. The addon is aimed at anyone who writes their own Python scripts for Blender and wants both an external editor and version control.

A June 2023 update added handling for missing files: if a referenced file does not exist but the name is correct, PyLinking starts a new .py file. It carries a GPL license and supports a wide range of Blender releases, from 2.81 through 4.0. Documentation is included, and a demo video is available.

Who is Pylinking best for?

Pylinking is best for blender users who write their own Python scripts and want to use an external editor and GitHub for version control.

How much does Pylinking cost?

Pylinking is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Links external .py files so they run inside Blender
  • Lets you write scripts in an outside editor such as Visual Studio Code
  • Stores .py files in a folder GitHub can read and write for version control
  • Starts a new .py file when a referenced name has no matching file (2023 update)
  • Supports Blender releases from 2.81 through 4.0
  • Documentation included
  • GPL licensed

Tags

#Blender#Python#scripting#GitHub#version control#Visual Studio Code#addon#workflow

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does PyLinking support?

PyLinking supports a broad span of Blender releases, listed as 2.81, 2.82, 2.83, 2.9, 2.91, 2.92, 2.93, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 4.0. That range covers older projects still on 2.8-era builds as well as more recent 3.x and 4.0 setups. If you run one of these versions, the addon is intended to work with your install, and you can check the developer's page for the latest details before installing.

Can I use Visual Studio Code with PyLinking?

PyLinking is built around writing your Blender scripts outside Blender, so an editor like Visual Studio Code fits directly into its workflow. The addon links a .py file stored outside Blender and runs it inside, which means you can edit that file in whatever external tool you prefer rather than Blender's own text editor. Visual Studio Code is the example the developer names, though any editor that saves plain .py files works the same way.

How does PyLinking work with GitHub?

PyLinking keeps your Python scripts as .py files in a folder outside Blender, and that folder can be one GitHub reads and writes. Because the files live in a normal location rather than inside Blender, you can put them under version control in a simple way and track changes to your scripts over time. This is one of the main reasons the addon exists: giving Blender Python scripts a home that standard version control tools can reach.

Is PyLinking free to use?

PyLinking is listed as free in this catalog, so you can add it without a purchase here. Licensing terms can change, and the addon carries a GPL license, so for the current pricing and license details it is best to check the developer's page on olanders.se directly. PyLinking also comes with documentation, and a demo video is available if you want to see how it works before installing it.

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