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Title: Python Tutorial: Running System Commands on Linux
Introduction:
In Python, you can interact with the underlying operating system by executing system commands. This can be useful for various tasks, such as automating system tasks, interacting with the file system, or running external programs. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to run system commands on a Linux system using Python.
Prerequisites:
Make sure you have Python installed on your Linux machine. Additionally, basic knowledge of the Linux command line and Python is recommended.
Step 1: Import the subprocess Module
Python provides the subprocess module to spawn new processes, connect to their input/output/error pipes, and obtain their return codes. Import the module at the beginning of your Python script:
Step 2: Run Simple Commands
To run a simple command, use the subprocess.run() function. Here’s an example that executes the ls command to list the contents of the current directory:
In this example:
Step 3: Capture Output
You can capture the output of a command by setting the capture_output parameter to True in the subprocess.run() function. This is useful if you want to process or display the command’s output:
In this example, the stdout attribute of the CompletedProcess object contains the output of the ls -l command.
Step 4: Handling Errors
To check for errors, examine the return code in the CompletedProcess object. A return code of 0 typically indicates success, while non-zero values indicate an error:
In this example, attempting to list the contents of a nonexistent directory results in a non-zero return code, and the error message is printed.
Conclusion:
You’ve learned how to run system commands on a Linux system using Python’s subprocess module. This capability allows you to automate various tasks, interact with the system, and seamlessly integrate your Python scripts with the Linux command line. Experiment
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