What are the implications of moving away from Python 2.7 with respect to ArcGIS Enterprise and the ArcMap runtime?

Answer

Many customers are concerned about Python 2.7 end of life. While Python 2.7 is no longer supported by the Python Software Foundation, it remains supported in Esri software as per Esri's product life cycle.

This FAQ provides guidance for customers with questions regarding Python 2.7 security in ArcGIS Enterprise, the current state of the product, and the road ahead.

In ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9.1, The ArcMap runtime (which includes Python 2.7.18.4) is an optional installation. At ArcGIS 11, the ArcMap runtime is no longer included in the product. It has been replaced by ArcGIS Pro Runtime, which uses Python 3.x.

While the Python Software Foundation no longer supports Python 2.7, other vendors have stepped in to fill the industry need to continue to support Python to address security bugs. In ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9.1, we worked with one of those vendors to package and ship Python 2.7.18.4 - which is a bugfix version provided by a third-party vendor who took on the role of maintaining Python 2.7 beyond EOL.

Customers should continue to transition to ArcGIS Pro and follow the documentation to migrate published web services to the ArcGIS Pro runtime.

The ArcGIS 10.9.1 documentation continues to reinforce migration requirements and workflows.

There is no longer a requirement to work with Python 2.7 with ArcGIS software.