ArcPy vs ArcGIS Python API for uploading data to local ArcGIS Server?

[MatthewSanders1]

I am tasked with integrating information from a different data collection system into a client's existing ArcGIS Server (local server running version 10.2). Eventually, I will rewrite the data collection system to directly use the ArcGIS Server as a backend, but for now I am writing a Python script that will run every night and sync the data to the ArcGIS Server.

I'm a bit stuck on the difference between using ArcPy or the ArcGIS Python API tool available from Esri. Which one is better suited for my task at hand?

Thanks!

Sanders

[MatthewSanders1]

That sounds like how they currently have it set up. Before adding to their database, do I need to stop the MapService then start it back once the data transfer is done? Or is that unnecessary?

Thanks again for the help, it is greatly appreciated!

[JonathanQuinn]

As long as you use a method that doesn't affect the schema of the data, (update fields, add domains/subtypes, etc), there's no need to stop and start the service after updating the data.

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Matthew,

You didn't indicate whether you had trolled through the API Reference for the ArcGIS API for Python 

As Jonathan indicated, if it isn't there, you will have to examine your Arctoolbox Tool useage