calling msbuild in python script

Question

Hi I would like to execute msbuild in python script

Since I don't run this in visual studio developer command prompt, I run

 "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\VC\vcvarsall.bat"

Then I do

  msbuild example.props

How can I run this in python? I tried to do

 subprocess.call('\"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\VC\\vcvarsall.bat\"\n')

then call

 subprocess.call(['msbuild', filename]) # filename is string variable

but I get an error saying that it coudln't find the file specified.. I am pretty sure there should be a way to do this but I couldn't find how.. Thank you for the help!

There was no issue when you called the .bat file? If not, it seems like your environment isn't being updated when you run the .bat file. Try using the shell=True option for call and see if that changes things. — SethMMorton
– SethMMorton, Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 19:23
I went ahead and put this in an answer so other people may benefit. Glad that worked! — SethMMorton
– SethMMorton, Commented Jan 25, 2013 at 19:33

SethMMorton · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-25 19:32:29Z

1

Because you are not using the shell=True option to call, each call is essentially isolated from each other. Therefore, sourcing the .bat file has no effect on the second call. Add shell=True on both calls so that the first call can effect the second call.

Note: I only recommend shell=True here because it is obvious that this is only being run on one platform (Windows), so there will be no cross-platform issues.

answered Jan 25, 2013 at 19:32

SethMMorton

49.5k13 gold badges72 silver badges90 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

in His Steps Over a year ago

Hi, sorry about bring this up, but for some reason, it's not working. I don't think it's properly shared between calls

SethMMorton Over a year ago

I'm on Mac, so I can't see if this works on Windows, but instead of using subprocess.call, try using os.system. This will completely bypass whatever walled garden subprocess.call creates. I have verified that this works on my Mac (I also had troubles with shell=True). It's not elegant, but it seems to work.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

calling msbuild in python script

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest