Reading ArcSDE data of a specific version in Python

Question

How can I read a version within Python?

For example, let's say I set up a workspace which points to a .SDE file connection. Now how can I read the features from a version within Python? I have looked online but can't find anything. Ideally if there is a code that looks for the version that is currently active and in use within the mxd?

Answer 1

arcpy.env.workspace = r'Database Connections\adminCon.sde'
arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management(r'Database Connections\adminCon.sde\GISADMIN.Buildings', 'fl')
arcpy.ChangeVersion_management('fl', "TRANSACTIONAL", "GISADMIN.Oli")
arcpy.ChangeVersion_management('fl', "TRANSACTIONAL", "sde.DEFAULT")

For further information check:

How to get a search cursor on a particular version in arcpy

Answer 2

You can create multiple .SDE file connections, each pointing to different versions.

Then you can refer to the various versions in your code:

arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management(r'Database Connections\readonlyCon.sde\GISADMIN.Buildings', 'Buildings_readonly')
arcpy.MakeFeatureLayer_management(r'Database Connections\editorCon.sde\GISADMIN.Parcels', 'Parcels_editable')

Answer 3

You can access the version manager via ArcMap or ArcCatalogue and note the versions available or create your own from those available. You can then access it with this code in your script

version = 'SDE.version_name'

for example 'SDE.DEFAULT'. I am new to python scripting in ArcGIS but i guess you can be able to access the features in the ArcSDE geodatabase after setting the version as shown. See this thread on how to define workspace for SDE connections.