ArcPy vs Arcgis Python API

Anonymous User

Hi,

Is there any document that describes the differences between ArcPy and ArcGIS Python API?

Thanks

Anonymous User

Very generally speaking, arcpy is intended to be used with desktop ArcGIS - either run from a map document (or aprx) or as a standalone script that utilizes the functionality available within a map document.

Buffer, Clip, Data Driven pages, geoprocessing, etc... I use it to simplify the geoprocessing and mapping workflow when using ArcGIS Desktop.

ArcGIS API for Python provides access to an online "GIS" - an ArcGIS Online account or a portal, plus any associated service-hosting servers. 

You can create web maps, publish services, stop and start services, list data sources, add/drop users, update metadata, etc... I use it at this time only to gather information about items and services on the portal so I can see where gaps are in our metadata and what data is feeding what item. Helpful with housekeeping of our ArcGIS Enterprise stuff.