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Python software to go with ArcGIS ?

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02-27-2017 09:01 AM
PROBERT68
Honored Contributor

I do have a question and not sure how do I say this but I recalled two years ago that I did had Pyscripter to write code that go with ArcGIS python. This is much easier than doing it in ArcGIS python window. What do you call that ?  AND what kind of software do you recommend me to use to go with it ?

Two years ago I used Pyscripter to work with codes and it was very helpful. Now, it has been two years since I last used and wanted to know if there are one that is much improved or recommend or should I stay with Psycripter ?

Thank you,

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13 Replies
DarrenWiens2
MVP Honored Contributor

Have you tried a web search? Sorry, but it doesn't take long to figure out that it's called an IDE (integrated development environment).

PyScripter - Wikipedia 

I still use PyScripter; there's not a whole lot more that I'm looking for.

PROBERT68
Honored Contributor

Thank you Darren. I'll go ahead and google. I remember some people have mention some other IDE software that works better than Psycripter. I think Psycripter still good. Will need to see if they have update their new version or not..

Thanks again.

DanPatterson_Retired
MVP Emeritus

last update May 23 2005, I think it has stagnated

DanPatterson_Retired
MVP Emeritus

If you plan to use PRO any time soon, you might want to look at

Pycharm and Spyder, apparently Pyscripter doesn't play nice any more.  To go old school with one of the best, there is still Pythonwin which I use in the conda distribution with ArcGIS PRO 1.4 along with Spyder and IPython.  If you want separate IDE's for use outside of ArcMap, just go with Continuum's Anaconda distribution of python and related modules and IDE's

PROBERT68
Honored Contributor

This is what I was trying to hear from others about what is best/ or bad to have with an IDE and ArcGIS. Will they work the latest ArcGIS versions such as 10.4 or later ?

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DanPatterson_Retired
MVP Emeritus

Pythonwin (old school) works with arcmap 10.4.1 and ArcGIS Pro 1.4.1 

Pycharm, pyscripter work with 10.4.1 as does

If you want to future-proof yourself (aka plan to move to PRO anytime in the next few years) I use PythonWin, Spyder  within the ArcGIS PRo environment.  This also includes the ability to work with IPython and Jupyter notebooks all at once.

I have a separate Anaconda distribution of python and all the bells and whistles that aren't in the conda distribution of ArcGIS PRO which works with any IDE that I have installed... but ... this is for pure python and brethren development work. 

So in short... if you aren't going to go with PRO any time soon stick with what you know (ie pythonwin or pyscripter)

If you are going to move forward, look at the others... of just stick with pythonwin until you feel adventurous.

Each offers something different and it is not uncommon for me to use several IDE's on the same development project... it is like owning a car and a truck, both perform similar tasks, but one may be more suited to a task than another.  The principles are the same

curtvprice
MVP Esteemed Contributor
RebeccaStrauch__GISP
MVP Emeritus

I still like Wing  Wingware - Wing Python IDE   which has a free, personal and Pro version.  It is maintained and has regular updates and has a very responsive tech support/developer team. I have the Pro version at work.  But much has to do with your preference and what you are used to.

DanPatterson_Retired
MVP Emeritus

check out my recent blog post, or look to see if this provides all you need