Execute batch file using Python script

Question 1

I'm trying to execute a batch file using a Python script. Is this possible? The Python script is in a different folder than the batch file. For example, the Python script is inC:\users\me\desktop\python while the batch file is in a folderC:\users\me\desktop\batch. I prefer not to use the full path to the batch file because I want it to work on other people's computer as well (i.e. theC:\users\me part might be different).

This is the script I tried (executed from the "python" folder on desktop)

from subprocess import callpath = "..\batch"call([path+"\test.bat"])

Result: file not found

Question 2

Possible duplicate of (stackoverflow.com/questions/5469301/…)

Question 3

Possible duplicate ofRun a .bat file using python code

Question 4

Possible duplicate ofExecuting a subprocess fails

Question 5

Backslash escapes special characters in python. Therefore, the paths that you are creating here are not the ones you think they are:

In [1]: test = "..\bfoo"In [2]: testOut[2]: '..\x08foo'

Use raw strings instead:

In [3]: test = r"..\bfoo"In [4]: testOut[4]: '..\\bfoo'

And actually, the best way to combine path segments in python is by usingos.path.join. This will automatically take care of the backslash vs. slash issues for Unix-lie vs. Windows operating systems.

Question 6

Thanks, that worked. However, when I run the Python script, it now shows me the code inside the batch file without actually executing it?

Question 7

On the command line? Or does it open a new window. However, this is probably actually a different question.

Question 8

Yes it shows the code on the command line and doesn't open a new window.

Question 9

When I put the Python script in the same folder as the batch file, it works. But for some reason it doesn't work from a different folder.

Question 10

Have a look at the marked duplicate questionstackoverflow.com/questions/1818774/…. Maybe it solves the issue?

Question 11

Useos.path,

import os dir_path = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))  # get the full path of the Python fileparent_dir = os.path.dirname(dir_path)new_path = os.path.join(parent_dir, 'bath', 'test.bat')

languitar 6,8342 gold badges42 silver badges66 bronze badges · Accepted Answer · 2017-02-17 10:13:48Z

1

Backslash escapes special characters in python. Therefore, the paths that you are creating here are not the ones you think they are:

In [1]: test = "..\bfoo"In [2]: testOut[2]: '..\x08foo'

Use raw strings instead:

In [3]: test = r"..\bfoo"In [4]: testOut[4]: '..\\bfoo'

And actually, the best way to combine path segments in python is by usingos.path.join. This will automatically take care of the backslash vs. slash issues for Unix-lie vs. Windows operating systems.

Share

Improve this answer

answeredFeb 17, 2017 at 10:13

languitar

6,8342 gold badges42 silver badges66 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.