python as a “batch” script (i.e. run commands from python)

Question

I\'m working in a windows environment (my laptop!) and I need a couple of scripts that run other programs, pretty much like a windows batch file.

how can I run a com

Answer 1

You should create a new processess using the subprocess module.

I'm not fluent in windows processes but its Popen function is cross-platform, and should be preffered to OS specific solutions.

EDIT: I maintain that you should prefer the Subprocess module to os.* OS specific functions, it is cross-platform and more pythonic (just google it). You can wait for the result easily, and cleanly:

import os
import subprocess
unison = os.path.join(os.path.curdir, "unison")
p = subprocess.Popen(unison)
p.wait()

Answer 2

import subprocess

proc = subprocess.Popen(['unison', 'profile'], stderr=subprocess.PIPE,      
                        stdout=subprocess.PIPE, stdin=subprocess.PIPE)

proc.stdin.write('user input')
print proc.stdout.read()

This should help you get started. Please edit your question with more information if you want a more detailed answer!

Answer 3

os.execlp should work. This will search your path for the command. Don't give it any args if they're not necessary:

>>> import os
>>> os.execlp("cmd")

D:\Documents and Settings\Claudiu>Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

D:\Documents and Settings\Claudiu>

Answer 4

I found out that os.system does what I want,

Thanks for all that tried to help.

os.system("dir")

runs the command just as if it was run from a batch file