# pxz

> Python API functions

## initialization

### initialize

Start a new Pixyz session. This step is mandatory before using any SDK features.This function will acquire previously installed license (e.g using [core.configureLicenseServer](core_functions#configurelicenseserver) or [core.installLicense](core_functions#installlicense)).

```python
pxz.initialize(productName=None, validationKey=None, optionalTokenList=None, license=None)
```

Parameters

| Type                                  | Name              | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| ------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [String](./core_types#string)         | productName       | Optional name of the Pixyz product to initialize. Leave empty if using the 'PixyzSDK' product.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| [String](./core_types#string)         | validationKey     | Optional validation key linked to the specified product name. Leave empty if no product name was specified.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| [StringList](./core_types#stringlist) | optionalTokenList | Optional token list for some products using a limited list of features.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| [String](./core_types#string)         | license           | Optional license file path to configure the session with. If not specified the session will use a previously installed license using [core.configureLicenseServer](/asset-transformer-sdk/2026.4/api/python/core_functions.md#configurelicenseserver) or [core.installLicense](/asset-transformer-sdk/2026.4/api/python/core_functions.md#installlicense). |

See also:

* [pxz.release](./pxz_functions#release)

### release

Terminate the initialized Pixyz session, ensuring memory cleanup and license release. This call is optional, as these steps will automatically occur when the process terminates.

```python
pxz.release()
```

See also:

* [pxz.initialize](./pxz_functions#initialize)