This video tutorial is part of the Python Essentials Learning Plan. The video is about 40 minutes long and gives a basic overview of using Python in ArcGIS. The video has two presenters and switches back and forth between them during the presentation. One of them focuses are providing information about Python and its applications while the other actually demonstrates how the code is written for some of these applications. A lot of the details are things already covered in the book, but I will include several of the points made to provide an overview of the video.
Python makes coding a lot simpler by automating repetitive tasks such as data analysis and processing. Scripts can be saved in a text file so they can be shared or used at a later time. Unique tools that are not found in ArcGIS programs can be made from scratch by using Python. In fact, several tools in ArcGIS, that you may be familiar with are made from Python coding.
Python is dynamically typed. It can support strings, numbers, and functions as well as work with and produce files, lists, and dictionaries. (Dictionaries – objects with key-value pairs).
ArcPy is an API, or Application Programming Interface, and works for programs such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Server, and ArcGIS Desktop. It must be imported before running certain tools for those applications. If you have these applications you already have ArcPy, you just need to import it in a scripting window. ArcPy is composed of a series of unique modules, functions, classes, and tools.
When you open a tool in ArcGIS, you can select the blue question mark at the top right of the tool window to open syntax help, which will explain the function of the tool and its parameters. You will also be able to see a code sample written in Python at the bottom of the syntax help page which may be very useful when writing scripts for that tool.
You can open a Python window directly into ArcGIS Pro by going to the view tab and clicking the Python Window button. If you type “arcpy.” then a list of available modules and functions will appear. You can narrow down your search by continuing to type out the tool you want and it should appear above. If there are multiple tools available you can scroll to the desired one with the arrow keys and then press the tab button to make a selection.
The parameters of the tool will be seen above and the Python window may automatically show optional inputs that are within your tab o contents. For example, if you have a series of shapefiles in your table of contents and the first parameter is an input feature class, then those shapefiles may appear above. (You can then use the arrow keys to scroll and then press tab to auto complete/select the layer.) Once you one the tool, the results should be available in the history pane.
Another way to access Python in ArcGIS Pro is by opening a notebook. You can access or create a notebook by going to the insert tab and pressing the New Notebook or Add Notebook buttons below.