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Module3 Deep File Process Management

Module 3 covers file handling and process management in Python, emphasizing the use of the os and pathlib modules for file operations. It introduces process management concepts and recommends using the subprocess module over os.system for better control and security. Best practices include using pathlib for file paths and handling exceptions and outputs properly.

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3 views

Module3 Deep File Process Management

Module 3 covers file handling and process management in Python, emphasizing the use of the os and pathlib modules for file operations. It introduces process management concepts and recommends using the subprocess module over os.system for better control and security. Best practices include using pathlib for file paths and handling exceptions and outputs properly.

Uploaded by

ananyashreekg933
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 3: File Handling and

Process Management
Topics: Scripting Files & Folders,
os.path, pathlib, subprocess, os.exec,
os.fork, os.kill
Scripting Files and Folders
• • Use os module to manage files/folders:
create, move, rename, delete.
• • os.makedirs(path): Create folders, including
intermediate ones.
• • os.listdir(path): List all files/folders in a
directory.
• • os.getcwd(), os.chdir(path): Manage current
working directory.
Working with os.path
• • os.path.join(): Build paths compatible with
OS.
• • os.path.exists(): Check if a file/folder exists.
• • os.path.getsize(): Get file size in bytes.
• • os.path.basename(), dirname(): Get file
name or directory path.
Working with pathlib
• • Pathlib offers an object-oriented approach to
file paths.
• • Path('filename').exists(), .is_file(), .is_dir()
• • Traversal: Path('dir').glob('**/*.py') for
recursive search.
• • Easier and cleaner syntax than os.path.
os.path vs pathlib
• • os.path is function-based; pathlib is object-
oriented.
• • pathlib is recommended for modern Python
(3.4+).
• • Both support cross-platform path handling.
• • Example: Path('folder') / 'file.txt' is easier
than os.path.join().
Introduction to Process
Management
• • OS process management is crucial for
automation.
• • Process: a running instance of a program.
• • Use Python to spawn, control, or replace
processes.
• • Modules: os.system, subprocess, os.exec,
os.fork, os.kill.
os.system()
• • Executes shell commands (e.g.,
os.system('ls')).
• • Returns exit code of the command.
• • Limited in capturing output or handling
errors.
• • Not recommended for modern scripts.
subprocess Module
• • subprocess.run(): Execute commands with
control over input/output.
• • subprocess.call(), check_output(): Additional
options for scripts.
• • Example: subprocess.run(['ls', '-l'],
capture_output=True)
• • Captures stdout, stderr; allows timeout
handling.
Why Use subprocess Over
os.system()
• • subprocess is safer and more flexible.
• • Avoids shell injection vulnerabilities.
• • Easier to work with outputs and errors.
• • Future-proof choice for command execution.
os.exec* Functions
• • Replaces the current process with a new
one.
• • os.execl(), execv(), execvp(), etc.
• • Example: os.execl('/bin/ls', 'ls', '-l')
• • No return to current script after exec.
os.fork()
• • Creates a child process (only on Unix/Linux).
• • Returns 0 in child, PID in parent.
• • Common in daemons and multiprocessing.
• • Use os.wait() to wait for child process to
finish.
os.kill()
• • os.kill(pid, signal): Sends a signal to a
process.
• • Common signals: signal.SIGTERM,
signal.SIGKILL.
• • Used to terminate or interrupt a process.
• • Must be used with care.
Summary and Best Practices
• • Use pathlib for modern file path handling.
• • Use subprocess instead of os.system.
• • Use exec, fork, and kill only for advanced
needs.
• • Always handle exceptions and process
outputs.
References
• • Python Official Docs:
https://docs.python.org/3/
• • os, os.path, pathlib modules
• • subprocess and signal modules
• • Module-3 notes by Prof. Manjusha (SVIT)

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