With the release of ArcGIS Pro 3.0, there are three toolbox formats available in ArcGIS. This matrix is an attempt to help you decide which is appropriate for your work.
atbx | tbx | pyt | |
Description | ArcGIS Pro 3.x | ArcMap, Pro 1.x, 2.x | ArcMap 10.x, Pro |
Format | XML-based | text/binary | python code |
Model Builder support | Yes | Yes | No (but references to model builder tools supported) |
Python skills required | Minimal | Minimal | Yes |
Container (location toolbox is saved) | Folder or gdb | Folder or gdb | Folder |
Script tool parameter validation | Property sheets and validation code | Property sheets and validation code | code |
Full read/write support across versions | Pro 3.x only | Within current version (Pro 2.1, ArcMap 10.8) | With careful coding can support all versions (at least in a limited way), even ArcMap and Pro |
Read toolbox created with previous version | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Save toolbox to previous version | Yes (Save to tbx file - not gdb, with optional validation tools) | Yes | No |
Documentation source | Embedded in toolbox | Embedded in toolbox | XML files in same folder as pyt file |
Efficient with git and other version control systems | No | No | Yes (as pyt and associated .py or .xml files are entirely code) |
Embedded code encryption supported | Yes | Yes | No |
Reckon you could add a row to your table indicating level of supporting for source code encryption?