What you need for this book

ArcGIS Blueprints is written for ArcGIS Desktop 10.3. However, ArcGIS Desktop 10.2 can be used for most of the chapters as well. Python 2.7, along with the IDLE development environment, is installed along with ArcGIS Desktop, so no additional installations of Python should be performed. If desired, you can use your preferred Python development environment. I recommend PyScripter if you don't have a preference.