====Article abstract====

This article will introduce the efficient way to use Abaqus python script to access Abaqus odb field outputs. The considerations for Abaqus python scripting are given. A comparison of several unpacking styles to access odb outputs is made. The demonstration code is provided in Github. 

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== Considerations for Abaqus python performance ==
*Make use of correct Abaqus object model sequence unpacking. The style of sequence unpacking can significantly influence the efficiency of your Python scripts.
*Make use python built-in functions.  They are usually optimized for performance.
*Make use of 3rd-party modules.  They are usually optimized for performance. 
*In general, working with high-level objects is more efficient than working with low-level objects.
*Avoid accessing attributes that require the use of computationally intensive methods.  For example: minimize the number of calls to getSubset() and addData() methods.

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====Comparison of unpacking sytels==== 

Below describe the detailed step by step procedure you followed to solve the problem. It is better to also accompany this document with a youtube video. 


# Least efficient
for i in range(len(myStress.values))
    myStress.values[i].data

# Moderate efficient
tmpStressValues = myStress.values
for i in range(len(tmpStressValues)):
    tmpStressValues[i].data

# Most efficient
for value in (myStress.values):
value.data


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====References====

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