PyMEL makes python scripting in Maya work the way it should. Maya's command module is a direct translation of MEL commands into python functions. The result is a very awkward and unpythonic syntax which does not take advantage of python's strengths -- particularly, a flexible, object-oriented design. PyMEL builds on the cmds module by organizing many of its commands into a class hierarchy, and by customizing them to operate in a more succinct and intuitive way.
Chapters:
whats_new install why_pymel tutorial pynodes attributes non_existent_objs ui standalone
Appendices:
eclipse dev design mel_to_python modules