Is the only way to use the API for python through a Developer ($5kUSD/year) subscription?

Question

Last year, I was able to generate OAuth tokens and use the Developer tools without issue. I took some time away from development activities and am understanding that there were changes in licensing structure since then. I am confused by the shuffle to location services and if there are any other licenses in the ESRI ecosystem that offer access to the developer tools, aside from this new Developer subscription. Can anyone clarify?

JoelHearne · Answer

Many years ago, I used to get all of ESRI's server and desktop products through their value added reseller program; for testing and demo purposes only.  I think we paid around $2000/year for it.  I suspect that you were operating under a similar program.  I was kicked out of the program when a new regional sales manager discovered that I was developing "competing products" using free and open source projects like OSGeo.

The Python API itself is open source and free.  I would look into getting access to an "Enterprise" by enrolling in a college course or volunteering with an organization that has a deployment.  ESRI has closed off almost every avenue for the curious tinkerers of the world to explore their enterprise products without paying them lots of $$.  I say "almost" because there are still no-cost ways that a creative developer might leverage their products and APIs.

Brian_Wilson · Answer

I wanted to learn exactly what comes with that $5000 bundle but the page returns a 404 right now...

https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-for-developers/buy

All the links on the developer site say FREE FREE FREE. At least, free for starters.

Maybe you have a better link for the $5K bundle? Not that I am in the market, just curious what they offer.

I had a license for testing my own copy of "Enterprise" for a year for $1800. Ultimately it was not worth it to me but I did learn a lot.

Brian_Wilson · Answer

I've only ever used a USERNAME and PASSWORD, like this

from arcgis.gis import GIS
gis = GIS(url=Config.PORTAL_URL, username=Config.PORTAL_USER, password=Config.PORTAL_PASSWORD, api_key=Config.PORTAL_KEY)
print("Logged in.")

This would be with Config.USERNAME set to my "Creator" level account so I can publish services.

So, no special developer license. Just ability to run Python and to access an "Enterprise" Portal. I think you could use any "Enterprise" server and access its services that are shared without any username or password, just the URL. If you leave out the URL it defaults to ArcGIS Online. For example