idea Choose your default scripting language in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Choose your default scripting language

JeffreySchmidt3000 — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:03:19 GMT

My preference when using field calculator, among other tools, is to use Arcade rather than Python. However, ArcGIS Pro appears to retain a default to Python. While I don't see an option to swap the default in ArcGIS Pro's options, it doesn't mean it isn't there somewhere. But if it is not an option, it would be an appreciated update.

Thanks for looking

Re: Choose your default scripting language

B_Brooks — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:12:51 GMT

I agree. This would be a nice option to set. I too prefer Arcade.

Re: Choose your default scripting language

dfwgw — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:38:25 GMT

Second this...Something like "Project>Options>Script settings" would be ideal.

Re: Choose your default scripting language

Gisbert61 — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:03:38 GMT

yep, i would like that too. isn't there someone who hacked a registrysetting or something?

I'm on a sluggish citrix box and choosing arcade and having to wait for the tool to be redrawn every time hurts after a while, it really interferes with the productivity.

Expression builder: remember expression language

wayfaringrob — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 15:58:30 GMT

Request for ArcGIS Pro to remember the previously selected parser when creating expressions. I prefer Arcade and it keeps defaulting to Python -- this is an extra 2 clicks every time I need to write an expression.

Re: Expression builder: remember expression language

Marie_Ducharme — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 16:02:36 GMT

Oh Yes, very good idea. I second that. I almost always use Arcade, and it would be delightful if the was set as my default, based on previous expression builds. or maybe we could change the default in the seetings?

Re: Expression builder: remember expression language

wayfaringrob — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 17:19:33 GMT

@Marie_Ducharme I poked around and didn't see anything.

Set default "Expression Type" across application

JohnLovette1 — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:00:16 GMT

In tools like "Calculate Field" and others that have an Expression Type setting, it would be ideal if an application-wide setting could set the default expression type. The dialog currently defaults to SQL, so I have to change this to Python every time I want to use the tool.

Re: Choose your default scripting language

Simon_Kedward — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:22:26 GMT

This would be a nice time saver. I can't believe this is not in the Options panel.

Re: Choose your default scripting language

CordulaGöke — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:09:56 GMT

Great idea, also for e.g. label properties.

Re: Choose your default scripting language - Status changed to: In Product Plan

MargaretCrawford — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:23:57 GMT

Re: Choose your default scripting language - Status changed to: Implemented

KoryKramer — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:12:08 GMT

This is implemented in ArcGIS Pro 3.3 using the new parameter override capability https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/analysis/geoprocessing/basics/run-geoprocessing-tools.htm#ESRI_SECTION2_6EDE7A183E9045CFBD21F654E956D979

See Your Ideas in ArcGIS Pro 3.3 for a full list of all user ideas you can look forward to! And be sure to check out the release blog and what’s new help topic and video to learn more about all the new features and functionality in the release.

Re: Choose your default scripting language

MargaretCrawford — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:44:44 GMT

Hi @JeffreySchmidt3000 , I want to share a new blog post about this enhancement!

The blog takes you through the steps you can use to change the default expression type in Calculate Field from Python to Arcade:

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-pro/analytics/tool-parameter-overrides-in-arcgis-pro-3-3/

Re: Choose your default scripting language

WardMitchell2 — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 13:58:53 GMT

Hello @MargaretCrawford

If I'm understanding this correctly the ability to change the expression type only exist in the Geoprocessing Tool, not the field calculate option in the table? Is there a way to change the default option when selecting field calculate from the table?

Thank you for any input

Re: Choose your default scripting language

Gisbert61 — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:42:23 GMT

Hi WardMitchell2,

I used the setting described in MargaretCrawford's post and it also sets Arcade as default (only) in the fieldcalculator as well.

Only thing I encountered is when in Modelbuilder the field calculator defaults to Python

Re: Choose your default scripting language

CU-KeithJones — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:25:43 GMT

@Gisbert61 @MargaretCrawford @WardMitchell2 please see below. If altering the config file does change the Calculate feature located in the Attribute Table, that is what is desired.

Will changing the config file alter the "Calculate" option in the Attribute table?

Re: Choose your default scripting language

Gisbert61 — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:21:12 GMT

Yes, @CU-KeithJones, both 1 and 2 now default to Arcade. In fact I cannot use SQL or Python anymore (which is fine by me but your miles may vary )

But in Modelbuilder I still can choose between Arcade, Python and even VBscript&colon;

Re: Choose your default scripting language

RyanBohan — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:13:58 GMT

Can changing the default Expression Type, just be added under Options? I don't really want to tell all users to just edit their "Pro.settingsConfig" file, so I know the next thing I will get is an email, saying they broke it.