How to run Exe from Python – 3 Easy methods?
Running an .exe file from Python can be a useful tool for automating certain tasks or for executing system commands.
including data analysis, machine learning, and web development. One of the many things that Python can do is run executable files (.exe) on a computer. This can be done using a few different methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss how to run exe using Python.
In this article, we will explore how to run an .exe file from Python and discuss some of the benefits and limitations of this method.
1. Run exe with Python using Sub process
One way to run an .exe file from Python is to use the subprocess module. The subprocess module allows you to spawn new processes, connect to their input/output/error pipes, and obtain their return codes.
This means that you can run an .exe file as a subprocess and interact with it just as you would with any other process.
For example, to run an .exe file named “example.exe” from Python, you can use the following code:
import subprocess subprocess.run(["example.exe"])
This code imports the subprocess module and uses the run() function to execute the “example.exe” file. The run() function takes a list of arguments, with the first argument being the name of the .exe file to run.
2. Run using OS Python Library
Another way to run an .exe file from Python is to use the os module. The os module provides a way of using operating system dependent functionality like reading or writing to files, starting new processes, killing processes etc.
To run an .exe file, you can use the os.system() function.
For example, to run an .exe file named “example.exe” from Python, you can use the following code:
import os os.system("path/to/example.exe") This code imports the os module and uses the system() function to execute the “example.exe” file. The system() function takes a string argument, which is the command to be executed by the operating system shell.
Running an .exe file from Python can be a powerful tool for automating tasks, such as running system commands or launching other programs. However, it’s important to note that executing an .exe file can also be a security risk, as it can potentially allow malicious code to run on your system. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the .exe file you are running is from a trusted source before executing it.
3. Run Exe from Python using Win32Api
A third method is to use the “win32api” module, which is a python wrapper for Windows API. This module provides a way to access the Windows API, which can be used to run exe files. Here is an example of how to use the “win32api” module to run an exe file:
import win32api win32api.ShellExecute(0, "open", "path/to/exe", None, ".", 0)
This will run the exe file located at “path/to/exe” on your computer.
In conclusion, Python provides several ways to run exe files, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The subprocess module is a powerful and flexible option that allows you to spawn new processes, connect to their input/output/error pipes, and obtain their return codes. The os module provides a way of using operating system dependent functionality like reading or writing to files, starting new processes, killing processes etc. The “win32api” module is a python wrapper for Windows API which can be used to run exe files.
It is important to note that running exe files using python may require certain permissions, and it is important to ensure that the exe file is from a trusted source before running it. Always use proper caution and security measures when running exe files using python or any other method.
In conclusion, running an .exe file from Python can be a useful tool for automating certain tasks or for executing system commands. By using the subprocess or os module, you can run an .exe file as a subprocess and interact with it just as you would with any other process. However, it’s important to be aware of the security risks involved and to make sure that the .exe file you are running is from a trusted source before executing it.
How to Find the Path of an Executable in Python?
Python’s shutil.which(cmd) function returns the path to the executable that would run if you called cmd in the command line. If there is no such executable, it returns None . The shutil module is part of the standard library, so you only need to add the statement “ import shutil ” to your program without needing to install it first.
Here’s a minimal example that searches for the path of the ‘python.EXE’ executable on my Windows machine:
import shutil print(shutil.which('python')) # C:\Users\xcent\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.EXE Let’s confirm that the executable is indeed on this location by using the ls command in my PowerShell to list the directory content:
Let’s test a couple of more executable locations:
>>> shutil.which('cmd') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\cmd.EXE' >>> shutil.which('find') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\find.EXE' >>> shutil.which('help') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\help.EXE' 
While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com that has taught exponential skills to millions of coders worldwide. He’s the author of the best-selling programming books Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), The Art of Clean Code (NoStarch 2022), and The Book of Dash (NoStarch 2022). Chris also coauthored the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books. He’s a computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.
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How to Find the Path of an Executable in Python?
Python’s shutil.which(cmd) function returns the path to the executable that would run if you called cmd in the command line. If there is no such executable, it returns None . The shutil module is part of the standard library, so you only need to add the statement “ import shutil ” to your program without needing to install it first.
Here’s a minimal example that searches for the path of the ‘python.EXE’ executable on my Windows machine:
import shutil print(shutil.which('python')) # C:\Users\xcent\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.EXE Let’s confirm that the executable is indeed on this location by using the ls command in my PowerShell to list the directory content:
Let’s test a couple of more executable locations:
>>> shutil.which('cmd') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\cmd.EXE' >>> shutil.which('find') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\find.EXE' >>> shutil.which('help') 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\help.EXE'
While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com that has taught exponential skills to millions of coders worldwide. He’s the author of the best-selling programming books Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), The Art of Clean Code (NoStarch 2022), and The Book of Dash (NoStarch 2022). Chris also coauthored the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books. He’s a computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.
Be on the Right Side of Change 🚀
- The world is changing exponentially. Disruptive technologies such as AI, crypto, and automation eliminate entire industries. 🤖
- Do you feel uncertain and afraid of being replaced by machines, leaving you without money, purpose, or value? Fear not! There a way to not merely survive but thrive in this new world!
- Finxter is here to help you stay ahead of the curve, so you can keep winning as paradigms shift.
Learning Resources 🧑💻
⭐ Boost your skills. Join our free email academy with daily emails teaching exponential with 1000+ tutorials on AI, data science, Python, freelancing, and Blockchain development!
Join the Finxter Academy and unlock access to premium courses 👑 to certify your skills in exponential technologies and programming.
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