Checking if feature class locked in ArcGIS using ArcPy?

Question

I'm trying to find a way to determine whether a feature class is locked before trying to alter it.

In one database I want to remove a feature class completely, and in another I want to add extra fields. I can't do either if they're locked.

I was expecting to find something in arcpy.Describe() but haven't found anything. Something like

if arcpy.Describe(myFC).isLocked:
 print "Can't proceed - feature class is locked"
else:
 arcpy.Delete_management(myFC)

Is there a way to check feature class locks using arcpy?

Answer 1

Found it - I was using incorrect terminology in my searches.

There is a tool called Test Schema Lock which will return True or False based on whether a lock can be applied or not. So my code would be:

if not arcpy.TestSchemaLock(myFC):
 print "Can't proceed - feature class is locked"
else:
 arcpy.Delete_management(myFC)

Because it returns True if the feature class isn't locked (i.e. a lock can be applied), an if not needs to be used to find where it returns False (it is locked).

• Craig T: Does this work on the entire gdb as well as individual feature classes? What about shapefiles?
• Midavalo: @CraigT it's only 4 lines, have you tried it? I suspect it will work for shapefiles as well, but I haven't tried. I don't know about entire gdb - locks are usually per feature class so I'm not sure if a gdb reports it is locked. You could loop through each feature class to determine which is locked and which isn't

Answer 2

This syntax is outdated now.

You can use arcpy.testSchemaLock() instead.

Link to Doc. https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/arcpy/functions/testschemalock.htm

• Midavalo: What syntax is outdated? Your suggested solution is the same as the accepted answer