How to Safely Execute External Commands in Python Using subprocess.run?

Executing External Commands in Python

Python provides several methods to execute external programs or call system commands. One popular approach is using the subprocess module. This article explores how to use subprocess.run to call external commands.

How to Use subprocess.run

The subprocess.run function allows you to run an external command as if you had typed it directly into a command prompt. To use it, simply pass the command and its arguments as a list:

import subprocess

subprocess.run(['ls', '-l'])  # Execute the 'ls -l' command

Note that the command and its arguments should be a list of strings.

Advantages of subprocess.run

• Safer: subprocess.run is considered safer than using os.system, especially when dealing with user input or commands that contain spaces or special characters.
• Flexible: subprocess.run provides more control over the subprocess, including the ability to capture the output, error status, and other information.

Alternative Approach

Another option for executing external commands is using os.system. However, its use is discouraged due to security concerns and limitations.

For Python 3.4 and Earlier

If you're using Python 3.4 or earlier, you should use subprocess.call instead of subprocess.run. The syntax is similar:

subprocess.call(['ls', '-l'])

Conclusion

Using subprocess.run is generally the recommended approach for executing external commands in Python. It provides a flexible and secure way to interact with the system and expand the capabilities of your Python programs.

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