The Alexa Skill - HouDB

So the data behind the alexa skill is enourmus. There are 764 functions to go through. Each need a selfwritten definitions for the needed parameters and the returning value.

I could extract the descriptions from the docs and pull it all together with some Excel magic. Some of them need some love to make it a bit more clear what the functions is doing. Especially since I want to provide some additional value over just going into the docs. But again due to the volume of Data the standard definition will be ok as a start. 

The parameters and return values I  am going to add over time. The initial block of parameters for the common ones will be the first and might be there from the start. 

For example if you ask for the minpos() parameters you get this reply:

The main form expects the input index or a nodepath and a position. There are additional options for a primitive group and maximum distance to influence the result.  

I am still researching the options to provide code examples or even example hip files. Some devices can display a card like the echo show but the most common used devices probably will not have that option.

So sending an email with code and/or hip files may be a good alternative. This will require the user to link an email to his alexa account and a specific intent in the skill so that the use has to very specificly ask and accept the incoming email. Nobody wants to be spammed by Alexa - even if its Houdini stuff. :)

This might also be a good motivation to continue the vex function youtube series since I could add that aswell as an additional type of information when asking for details to a function. 

Once I expand the functionality of this - like including SOP nodes, specific task or workflows  - this could contain all sorts of sources you could ask for.

At the moment I do last trouble shooting before I look into what is involved in publishing a skill. I get my own echo device tomorrow. If the skill can withstand some abuse I will put it out there.

As for patreon - I am not sure yet what additional options I can provide to you but you definetly get the first chance to shape what this will become over time. 

In general I am looking forward to create a free service to help people to learn and a quick way to get information.

Cheers  

Dave