Arcmap: attach python script to a button?

Question

In ArcMap 9.x how can I attach a python script to a button?

• fmark: What do you mean by a button? The easiest way to integrate a python script into ArcMap is through Toolbox. Is that okay?
• matt wilkie: no, not through a toolbox. that takes up too much screen real estate.
• matt wilkie: arcmap 10 version of this question: gis.stackexchange.com/questions/1697/…

Answer 1

This works in VBA to run a Python script. Just call the subroutine with a button.

Private Sub python_Click()
 Shell "C:\Python25\python.exe ""C:\rowcount.py"
End Sub

Hope this helps.

• matt wilkie: this is a good example of why this stack exchange platform works. I had an answer ready, but this one is simpler and cleaner. Thanks :)
• George Silva: What about .net? Any code snippets?

Answer 2

As @fmark says, the easiest way to integrate a Python script into ArcMap is through a toolbox, which I'd recommend.

That said, if you really need to (eg, you need a nicer front end than the toolbox) you have two options:

1. You can call the script as a command line argument from another program that is linked to the button - the easiest would be VBA.
2. You can add the Python script to the toolbox, and call the custom toolbox from your button (VBA, VB.Net, C#.Net).

Still, I'd go with @fmark and just add the script to the toolbox given the choice.

Answer 3

The way to do it in C# would be like this using the ArcGIS template for a button.

using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Text;
using System.IO;
using System.Diagnostics;
namespace RunEditPython
 { 
 public class PythonEdited : ESRI.ArcGIS.Desktop.AddIns.Button
 {
 public PythonEdited()
 {
 }
 protected override void OnClick()
 {
 System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("C:\\temp\\WHP\\WellsEdited.py");
 }
 protected override void OnUpdate()
 {
 Enabled = ArcMap.Application != null;
 }
}

}

• matt wilkie: thanks! and welcome to GIS stack exchange. I hope you find your time here fruitful; you've certainly come bearing gifts, it's appreciated.