Python.exe vs. Pythonw.exe: When to Use Which?

Pythonw.exe and Python.exe: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right One

In Python programming, there are two executable files often encountered: pythonw.exe and python.exe. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for successful script execution.

Python.exe: Console Application Launcher

Python.exe is a console (terminal) application designed to launch scripts intended for use in command-line environments. Key characteristics of python.exe include:

• Opens a new console window if not run from an existing one
• Connects standard streams (stdin, stdout, stderr) to the console window
• Executes scripts synchronously, holding the console window open or blocking the prompt

Pythonw.exe: GUI/No-UI Script Launcher

Pythonw.exe is a GUI (graphical user interface) application that primarily aims to launch scripts without opening a console window. It is typically used for GUI-based scripts or scripts that do not require user interaction. Some key features of pythonw.exe are:

• Does not open a separate console window
• Executes scripts asynchronously, allowing the prompt to return immediately
• Does not connect standard streams to the console, potentially leading to silent failures and lack of output

Choosing the Right Executable

The choice between pythonw.exe and python.exe depends on the type of script you are running:

• Use python.exe: For console-based scripts that require user interaction, synchronous execution, or access to standard streams.
• Use pythonw.exe: For graphical user interface (GUI) scripts, scripts that do not require user interaction, or scripts that do not rely heavily on standard streams.

To control the default executable associated with your scripts, use the appropriate file extension:

• *.py files are associated with python.exe by default
• *.pyw files are associated with pythonw.exe by default

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