Truncate Table (Data Management)

Summary

Removes all rows from a database table or feature class using truncate procedures in the database.

Usage

    Caution:

    If a selection is applied to a layer or table view, the selection will be ignored and all records will be truncated.

  • Supported data types are simple points, lines, or polygons stored in a database. Complex data types such as terrains, topologies, and network datasets are not supported as input.

  • Versioned data is not supported as input. Data must be unregistered as versioned before the tool will execute successfully.

  • Truncate commands do not use database transactions and are unrecoverable. This improves performance over row-by-row deletion.

  • It is recommended that this tool be use for workflows in which all rows are removed from a table or feature class and there is no need to back up the transactions, such as nightly reloading of data.

  • This tool does not support a feature service layer as input.

Syntax

arcpy.management.TruncateTable(in_table)
ParameterExplanationData Type
in_table

The input database table or feature class that will be truncated.

Table View

Derived Output

NameExplanationData Type
out_table

The truncated table.

Table View

Code sample

TruncateTable example 1 (Python window)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the TruncateTable tool in immediate mode.

import arcpy
arcpy.TruncateTable_management("neil/whistler.sde/function.junction.table")
TruncateTable example 2 (stand-alone script)

The following Python window script demonstrates how to use the TruncateTable tool.

# Name: TruncateTable_Example2.py
# Description: Truncates all tables in a file geodatabase.

# Import system modules
import arcpy

# Set the workspace.
arcpy.env.workspace = "C:/work/vancouver.gdb"

# Get a list of all the tables.
tableList = arcpy.ListTables()

# Loop through the list and run truncate
for table in tableList:
    arcpy.TruncateTable_management(table)

Environments

Licensing information

  • Basic: Yes
  • Standard: Yes
  • Advanced: Yes

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