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Esri / ArcREST

python package for REST API (AGS, AGOL, webmap JSON, etc..)
Apache License 2.0
192 stars 155 forks source link

comparison to python API #324

Closed mamesser closed 7 years ago

mamesser commented 7 years ago

With the release of the ArcGIS Python API last month, I have been looking at similarities between python API and the ArcREST package functionalities. As users/developers constantly evaluating where to invest our time in building functionality into our business, can you provide a high level comparison between the two? For example, do those of you doing the primary development on ArcREST see integration of python API functionality into ArcREST, potential replacement of existing functionality in ArcREST by pythonAPI, a side by side with each tool having its own niche, or something different entirely? In addition what would you say are the primary benefits of each tool as they exist at this point in time vs the anticipation of where these tools are going in the near future? Sorry for the long question and thanks in advance any feedback.

achapkowski commented 7 years ago

@mamesser Good questions and I'm going to try an answer the best I can:

I am not going to list all the differences between the two packages, but I will point out some features of ArcREST that could help your decision process. It is good to know that both python packages are expansive, well written, and has a target audience and/or intended use.

ArcREST is written to be a full implementation of the REST API for Server, Portal, and ArcGIS Online. The package provides support for python 2 and 3. This means there is coverage for both Pro and ArcGIS Desktop users.

ArcREST is not supported by Esri support, though it does live in the Esri GitHub pages. Issues will only be seen if logged on this GitHub page. This means that it is community driven. The ArcREST team, accepts pull requests, etc... as well. We take the approach, if you see a problem, you know how to fix it, fork it and submit a pull request.

I often liken ArcREST to a toolbox full of tools. It does not have your workflows built into it, but rather gives you all the things you need to put it together.

As for the future of the product of ArcREST. I see the product advancing for quite sometime. There is definitely a need for ArcGIS Desktop users to be able to manipulate the REST API through gp/scripting.