How to Capture stdout from a Subprocess in Real Time Using Python

Learn how to effectively retrieve real-time output from a subprocess in Python, including solutions for flushing buffers and using asyncio for asynchronous output handling.
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How to Capture stdout from a Subprocess in Real Time Using Python

Working with subprocesses in Python can sometimes be tricky, especially when you're looking to retrieve output in real time. Many developers encounter a common issue: they want to capture stdout from a subprocess but only receive the output after the process has completed. This can be frustrating when you're expecting continuous output from the subprocess while it runs. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at this issue and explore effective solutions to capture the output from a subprocess in real time.

The Problem

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In this case, unless the output is flushed after every write, the data remains stuck in the buffer and can't be accessed immediately by your main program. It's important to recognize that output buffering behaves differently depending on how your program is executed—such as whether it's run directly in a terminal or as a subprocess.

Why Buffering Is a Concern

Often, when executing a program that produces output, the output can be buffered. This means that it won't be sent as soon as it's generated but rather collected until the buffer is full. This delay can lead to confusion when the output isn't displayed until after the subprocess finishes processing.

The Solution: Flushing Output and Using Asyncio

To address the real-time output problem, we need to ensure that the subprocess flushes its output properly. Let's break this down into steps:

1. Ensure Output Flushing

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2. Utilize Asyncio for Real-Time Reading

Once you've ensured output is flushed, you can leverage Python's asyncio module to read the output in real-time. Below is an example of how to do this effectively using Python 3.6 features:

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Explanation of the Asyncio Code

Creating the Subprocess: The create_subprocess_exec method launches your specified program concurrently.

Reading Output: The display_as_arrives function continuously reads from the stdout and stderr streams as data becomes available.

Real-time Updates: By using the await keyword, your program can process output as it arrives without waiting for the subprocess to finish.

Conclusion

Capturing output from a subprocess in real time is achievable with a combination of flushing output and using asyncio for efficient reading. By ensuring that your subprocess flushes its buffers regularly and adopting an asynchronous approach to capture output, you can enhance the interactivity and responsiveness of your programs. This method not only solves the immediate issue but also opens the door to more advanced asynchronous programming patterns in Python.

With these techniques, you can effectively monitor and control subprocesses, making your Python applications more powerful and user-friendly. Happy coding!