---
title: "system.opc.browse"
description: "Allows browsing of the OPC servers in the runtime, returning a list of tags."
---

# system.opc.browse

> Allows browsing of the OPC servers in the runtime, returning a list of tags.

This function is used in **Python Scripting**.

## Description
:::caution
This function performs a fully recursive browse that can't be terminated, which can be especially problematic in larger systems. It is highly advised to use [system.opc.browseServer](system-opc-browseServer.md) instead since recursion with that function is driven by subsequent calls. 
:::

## Client Permission Restrictions
This scripting function has no [Client Permission](../../../ignition-modules/vision/vision-project-properties/vision-project-properties.md#vision-permissions-properties) restrictions.

## Syntax
:::tip
 This function accepts [keyword arguments](platform/scripting/python-scripting/user-defined-functions.md#keyword-arguments).
:::.

`system.opc.browse(opcServer, device, folderPath, opcItemPath)`

### Parameters
Type | Parameter | Description 
------- | ------- | ------
String| `opcServer` | The name of the OPC server to browse
String| `device` | The name of the device to browse
String| `folderPath` | Filters on a folder path. Use * as a wildcard for any number of characters and a ? for a single character.
 String| `opcItemPath` | Filters on a OPC item path. Use * as a wildcard for any number of characters and a ? for a single character.

### Returns

**List[OPCBrowseTag]** - An array of [OPCBrowseTag](https://sdk.inductiveautomation.com/javadoc/ignition81/latest/com/inductiveautomation/ignition/common/script/builtin/ialabs/OPCBrowseTag.html) objects. OPCBrowseTag has the following functions: getOpcServer(), getOpcItemPath(), getType(), getDisplayName(), getDisplayPath(), getDataType().

### Scope

Gateway, Vision Client, Perspective Session

## Code Examples
```python title="Example #1"
# Browse every OPC server
  
tags = system.opc.browse()
for row in tags:
    print row.getOpcServer(), row.getOpcItemPath(), row.getType(),
    print row.getDisplayName(), row.getDisplayPath(), row.getDataType()
```
```python title="Example #2"
# Browse Ignition OPC UA server
  
tags = system.opc.browse(opcServer="Ignition OPC UA Server")
```
```python title="Example #3"
# Browse Specific Device
  
server = "Ignition OPC UA Server"
tags = system.opc.browse(opcServer=server, device="Dairy Demo Simulator")
```
```python title="Example #4"
# Browse Specific Folder Path (not OPC item path)
  
server = "Ignition OPC UA Server"
tags = system.opc.browse(opcServer=server, folderPath="*Overview/AU 1*")
```