You can use the API to perform operations related to the planning and installing of vCenter Server software updates. What to read next Planning vCenter Server UpdatesThe vCenter Server API provides operations that can help you plan the life cycle of vCenter Server instances in your environment. Performing Discovery and Planning OperationsYou can retrieve information about VMware products associated with vCenter Server, list available vCenter Server updates, and produce reports. The findings can help you plan vCenter Server updates in your environment. List Available Products and Manage Associated ProductsYou can automate the management of VMware products associated with vCenter Server by using the API. Python Example of Listing Available Products and Managing Associated ProductsThis example shows how you can retrieve the product catalog, list the associated products, add, update, and delete products associations. The example is based on the discovery_sample.py sample. List Available UpdatesYou can retrieve a list of available vCenter Server updates, details about the updates, and pre-check information by using the API. Python Example of Listing Available UpdatesThis example shows how you can retrieve a list of available vCenter Server updates, details about the updates, and pre-check information. The example is based on the update_sample.py sample. Retrieve a ReportYou can retrieve a report generated by the interoperability and pre-check operations by using the API. Python Example of Retrieving a ReportThis example shows how you can retrieve a report. The example is based on the lcm_sample.py sample. Updating vCenter ServervCenter Server provides interfaces to perform software updates. Applying vCenter Server Software UpdatesYou can automate the installation of vCenter Server software updates to ensure that your system is stable and protected. Software updates can include security fixes, performance optimizations, and new features. vCenter Server Software Update WorkflowThe vCenter Server software update process consists of three major phases. In the first phase, the vCenter Server instance performs various checks, in the second phase it stages the update, and applies the update in the final phase. Parent topic: vCenter Server Management