Hi, there. How are Houdini Engine licenses utilized when using PDG in a farm setting (we're using tractor)? I thought that maybe I could tell by looking at the actual work item command issued. If the work item command uses hython then it would take a license, but python wouldn't.

So for example, in this scenario:

1. ROP Geometry Output
   
2. ROP Mantra Render (generate IFD)
   
3. Render IFD
   

Steps 1. and 2. would require a license (they use hython), and step 3. would not (it uses python).

However, I noticed that the PDG MQ Server is run with python. Does it take a license?

Is there a rule of thumb or is this documented somewhere?

Thanks!

Peter.

It is pretty much decided by the command being executed. For hython, it does take a license (and can be controlled via the HOUDINI_SCRIPT_LICENSE env var). PDG MQ will not require any license since its just python. HDAProcessor used to take a Houdini Engine license (or regular Houdini license if engine is not available), but it has been changed to use hython, so it can use a regular license.