Developing tool in ArcGIS???

[badar]

Hello,

        I've just started developing some scripts in python ArcGIS for the automation of repetitive tasks. Also, I am new to it and I started this on my own. Well, I have developed some tools/scripts. But the problem is that, each of my python script is shown with a SCROLL  icon in the toolbox and it's code can be accessed by anyone to which the toolbox is distributed. I've following questions.

1. How to develop some tools in python with the default "Hammer" icon?

2. How to restrict the access of code of some custom tool developed in python?

3. How to publish a custom tool so that it's function is available for further development like the default tools e.g. gp.ExtractByMask_sa?

I tried to find the answer and found the following links.

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http://resources.esri.com/help/9.3/ArcGISEngine/java/doc/7894e53d-6fff-4459-9d53-233f172653b2.htm

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http://resources.esri.com/help/9.3/ArcGISEngine/java/doc/50adfae5-8d20-4409-b5ca-fbd296b1e672.htm

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This is exactly what I wanted but the links are for development in Java. I've developed tools (or simply a workflow) in python and it seems far more easy than Java (I mean just assign inputs and outputs to variables and call the basic functions to perform the desired tasks. Seems like more will have to be done in Java).

So, is Java the only option to develop a tool like the default ones?

I am in initial stage of learning so I can move to Java but in a few weeks, I've developed some v.good for me tools in python. Will I've to rewrite the codes in Java for these tools again?

Sorry for these stupid questions but I think it's now better to get some expert's opinion instead of wasting more days in searching the answers :grin: .

[Lurker]

its different I think, Python is interpreted language, like a script directly executed by interpreter, so you will see those script icon, unlike JAVA or Net language, its compiled language,

to make a tool (with hammer icon as you said) you need to build with NET or Java,  :shocked:

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http://resources.arcgis.com/content/arcgissdks/10.0/about

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Arcgis 10 support Java and NET but if you use previous arcgis (version 9.3.1 or before) you can use Visual Basic  :grin:

IMHO, just my 0,0002 cent worth  :cheesy:

[badar]

Argghhh. So, I have options but other than python :embarrassed: .Ok. I'll try those options in my spare time. Right now python is working fine for me. Thanks for the tip  :grin:

[Lurker]

NET would be awesome if you can mastering it, more difficult than interpreted language like python i guess, so you need a huge amount of time to learn it

[bdsmolla]

Controlling created tools in ArcGIS Desktop using python script, what you can do: embed your script in to the developed tool and set password to protect and control access from the user. Visit following link and I think it will be helpful for you:

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http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Embedding_scripts_and_password_protecting_tools/005700000017000000/

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[kzuia]

Arcgis is a growing software, they change their database format, their macro language(AML to Python), they may change from Python to another interpreter, hence investing on python is not the best option IMHO.

[badar]

Thank you all for your comments and thank you bdsmolla for the link. I was off station so couldn't check the thread. I think I am very much clear about this concept. Thanks a lot everyone.

[moawad74]

Thanx