Using the ArcGIS Python window
In this recipe, you'll learn how to use the ArcGIS Python window. In Chapter 1, Fundamentals of the Python Language for ArcGIS, you learned how to use the IDLE development environment for Python, so this chapter will give you an alternative for writing your geoprocessing scripts. Either development environment can be used but it is common for people to start writing scripts with the ArcGIS Desktop Python window and then move on to IDLE when scripts become more complex. I should also mention that there are many other development environments that you may want to consider, including PythonWin, Wingware, Komodo, and others. The development environment you choose is really a matter of preference.
Getting ready
The new ...
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