Learning ArcGIS Pro

Summary
ArcGIS Pro contains two methods for automating and streamlining tasks: you create a
model or a Python script. Which will work best will largely depend on your skills and how
they will be used.
Models are created in ModelBuilder, which provides a graphical interface for creating
tools that will automate a series of processes required to accomplish an analysis or other
workflow. Each process within a model will include a tool that can be a geoprocessing
tool, script, or another model, along with their associated variables. As you create a model,
you can choose to make it interactive by designating variables as parameters. The biggest
limitation of a model is that it can only be run from inside of ArcGIS Pro. This means it
cannot be scheduled to run automatically.
Python scripts can be used to automate processes that can then be scheduled to run at
specified times and dates. Unlike a model, creating Python scripts does require knowledge
of the Python language and the ability to write code. In addition to the ability of Python
scripts to be run on a schedule, they can also be used to access functionality from other
applications other than ArcGIS Pro. This allows you to create scripts that can integrate the
functionality of several different applications into a single automated script.
If you would like to learn more about creating Python scripts for ArcGIS, you might want
to get Programming ArcGIS with Python Cookbook, Eric Pimpler, Packt Publishing.