save python output to log

Question

I have a python script the runs this code:

strpath = "sudo svnadmin create /svn/repos/" + short_name
os.popen (strpath, 'w')

How can I get the output of that command stored in a variable or written to a log file in the current directory?

I know, there may not be an output, but if there is, I need to know.

Answer 1

you can do it in your bash-part:

strpath = "sudo svnadmin create /svn/repos/" + short_name + ' > log.txt'

Answer 2

If you don't need to write to the command, then just change the 'w' to 'r':

strpath = "sudo svnadmin create /svn/repos/" + short_name
output = os.popen (strpath, 'r')

for line in output.readlines():
    # do stuff

Alternatively if you don't want to process line-by-line:

strpath = "sudo svnadmin create /svn/repos/" + short_name
output = os.popen (strpath, 'r')

outtext = output.read()

However, I'd echo Greg's suggestion of looking at the subprocess module instead.

Answer 3

Use the 'r' mode to open the pipe instead:

f = os.popen (strpath, 'r')
for line in f:
    print line
f.close()

See the documentation for os.popen() for more information.

The subprocess module is a better way to execute external commands like this, because it allows much more control over the process execution, as well as providing access to both input and output streams simultaneously.