TestSchemaLock

Summary

Tests if a schema lock can be acquired for a feature class, table, or feature dataset. Tools that alter schema will require a schema lock to be placed on the input data. The Add Field tool is an example of such a tool. If the tool requires a schema lock and is unable to acquire one when the tool is run, an appropriate error message is returned. Scripts that use such tools should test if a schema lock can be acquired on the input data. The TestSchemaLock function will not actually apply a schema lock on the input data, but will return a Boolean.

Syntax

TestSchemaLock (dataset)

Parameter	Explanation	Data Type
dataset	The input data to be tested if a schema lock can be applied.	String

Return Value

Data Type	Explanation
Boolean	Returns a Boolean indicating if a schema lock can be applied to the input dataset. True—A schema lock can be applied to the dataset. False—A schema lock cannot be obtained on the dataset.

Code sample

TestSchemaLock example

Returns a Boolean True if exclusive lock can be applied to dataset.

import arcpy

data = arcpy.GetParameterAsText(0)

# Test if a schema lock can be applied, and if so, add a new field
#
if arcpy.TestSchemaLock(data):
    arcpy.AddField_management(data, "Flag", "LONG")
else:
    print("Unable to acquire the necessary schema lock to add the new field")