Program chaining on Windows

[Chris Angelico]

On Mon, Aug 24, 2020 at 7:40 AM dn via Python-list
<python-list at python.org> wrote:
>
> On 24/08/2020 09:04, Chris Angelico wrote:
> > On Mon, Aug 24, 2020 at 6:39 AM dn via Python-list
> > <python-list at python.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> On 23/08/2020 19:31, Rob Cliffe via Python-list wrote:
> >>> On WIndows 10, running Python programs in a DOS box, I would like one
> >>> Python program to chain to another.  I.e. the first program to be
> >>> replaced by the second (*not* waiting for the second to finish, as with
> >>> e.g. os.system).  This doesn't seem a lot to ask, but so far I have been
> >>> unable to so this.  I am using Python 3.8.3.  Some attempts so far (may
> >>> be nonsensical):
> >>
> >> What is the definition of "finish" in the first program?
> >> Not sure if have understood <<<(*not* waiting for the second to finish,
> >> as with e.g. os.system)>>>.
> >> In Python, the easiest way to chain two "modules" is to use import. This
> >> gives full control to the 'import-er'.
> >>
> >
> > With exec, the intention is to *replace* the current program, not to
> > invoke it and wait till it's done. The current program will not
> > continue after a successful exec.
>
>
> As a 'general rule', isn't exec() something to be avoided?
>

Nope, it's a very important tool. Not for every situation, of course,
but there are plenty of times when it's the right thing to do.

ChrisA