Python Library Reference

6.8 subprocess -- Subprocess management

New in version 2.4.

The subprocess module allows you to spawn new processes, connect to their input/output/error pipes, and obtain their return codes. This module intends to replace several other, older modules and functions, such as:

os.system
os.spawn*
os.popen*
popen2.*
commands.*

Information about how the subprocess module can be used to replace these modules and functions can be found in the following sections.

• 6.8.1 Using the subprocess Module
  • 6.8.1.1 Convenience Functions
  • 6.8.1.2 Exceptions
  • 6.8.1.3 Security
• 6.8.2 Popen Objects
• 6.8.3 Replacing Older Functions with the subprocess Module
  • 6.8.3.1 Replacing /bin/sh shell backquote
  • 6.8.3.2 Replacing shell pipe line
  • 6.8.3.3 Replacing os.system()
  • 6.8.3.4 Replacing os.spawn*
  • 6.8.3.5 Replacing os.popen*
  • 6.8.3.6 Replacing popen2.*

Python Library Reference

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Release 2.4c1, documentation updated on 18 November 2004.