How to run Unix commands in python installed on a windows machine?

Question

I tried using some Unix command using the subprocess module on my Python interpreter installed on a windows 7 OS. However, it errors out saying command not found. It does recognize Windows commands though. Can I somehow use Unix commands in here too?

Thanks, Vishal

>>> subprocess.call('pwd',shell=True) 'pwd' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. 1 — user3399273
– user3399273, Commented Nov 14, 2014 at 21:22
>>> subprocess.call('dir',shell=True) Volume in drive C is OSDisk Volume Serial Number is 90CF-90DB Directory of C:\Python34 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> . 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> .. 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> DLLs 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> Doc 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> include 11/14/2014 11:38 AM <DIR> Lib ... — user3399273
– user3399273, Commented Nov 14, 2014 at 21:24
You can't run "linux" commands on Windows. Just like you can call Windows commands on linux. You'll need to add something in the middle. For instance cygwin. — EWit
– EWit, Commented Nov 14, 2014 at 21:25

MattDMo · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-14 21:26:06Z

4

You can't run a command that's not there. There are multiple options for obtaining POSIX/GNU commands for Windows, including Git Bash, MSYS/MinGW, Cygwin, etc.

answered Nov 14, 2014 at 21:26

MattDMo

103k21 gold badges251 silver badges239 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

user3399273 Over a year ago

Allright, thanks. I thought there could be a bash module in python itself I could use. Doesn't look like it. Thanks anyways

MattDMo Over a year ago

@user3399273 no problem. If my answer helped solve your problem, please consider indicating that by clicking the check mark next to the answer. It marks your question as resolved, and generates reputation points for both of us. See How does accepting an answer work? for more information.

martinpristas · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-14 21:44:24Z

0

You have to install Unix Bash for Windows, but not sure if it works correctly ... Better solution is install or virtualize some Linux distribution.

answered Nov 14, 2014 at 21:44

martinpristas

4896 silver badges13 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to run Unix commands in python installed on a windows machine?

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

2 Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related