Executing External Commands: Easily run external commands and complex shell commands from your Python code.

However, it is important to understand when and why to use subprocess in your code. Python subprocess is a powerful tool for executing shell commands from within Python code. Therefore, it is available on all platforms supported by Python, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. Subprocess module was included in the standard Python library since version 2.4. You have fine-grained control over subprocess behavior, including timeouts, environment variables, and signal handling. Subprocess not only launches processes but also provides access to exit codes, input/output streams, and error handling. By dividing tasks into subprocesses, you can achieve multiprocessing and improve efficiency. The subprocess module operates within a parent process, which handles background operations. It extends the capabilities of your Python code by enabling interactions with command-line programs and the execution of GUI interfaces. With subprocess, you can integrate Python with command-line apps, utilize code from C or C++ programs, and even run applications from git repositories. It allows seamless execution of external programs, scripts, or system commands.

Subprocess in Python is a powerful module that enables you to launch and manage new processes directly from your Python scripts. Additionally, processes can spawn new processes, enabling complex interactions within a program or between multiple programs. Operating systems handle the scheduling of processes, ensuring fair execution and resource allocation. They can interact and communicate with other processes, enabling collaboration and coordination.

Processes have their own allocated resources, such as memory and file handles, and operate independently with their own state and data. It represents an active entity engaged in executing specific instructions and performing computations.

In the world of computers, a process refers to an instance of a program running on an operating system.

Before we dive into the details of the Python subprocess module, let’s understand what a process in Operating System is.

Background subprocess python