Скачать или смотреть How to Use Python subprocess to Open an Excel File and Wait for User Input

Learn how to make your Python program wait for user input by opening an Excel file using subprocess. Implement solutions to ensure your program does not proceed until the user has saved and closed the file.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/64364965/ asked by the user 'shahabaz sha' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/8740571/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/64365221/ provided by the user 'Fadi Abu Raid' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/7879317/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Python subprocess: Open a program and wait for user to save and close it

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Opening an Excel File with Python and Waiting for User Input

When working with Python, you may encounter scenarios where it's necessary for your program to interact with other applications, such as Excel. A common requirement is to open an Excel file and wait for the user to finish editing, then close it. If you're new to coding, this may seem challenging at first, but don't worry! In this guide, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

The Problem Statement

Suppose you have a Python script that launches an Excel file for user editing. However, you want your script to halt until the user saves the file and closes Excel. The code you might initially try may just open the file but not wait for your desired user action. For instance, the following code opens an Excel file but does not wait for it to close:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This code only waits for the process to start and does not monitor the subsequent user activity. So, how can we accomplish the requirement effectively?

The Solution

To correctly wait for an Excel file to be closed after user input, there are several methods we can use in Python. Here are some approaches:

Using the psutil Library

The psutil library can help monitor whether the Excel process is still running. Here's how you can implement it:

Install psutil: Before you begin, ensure that you have psutil installed. If not, you can install it via pip:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Utilize the Code Snippet:
Below is a sample code that accomplishes the task using psutil:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Using the pywinauto Library

If you want to be even more specific, you can use the pywinauto library, which allows for more detailed application control.

Install pywinauto: If you don't have this library, install it using:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Implement the Following Code:
You can monitor specific window titles with pywinauto as shown below:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Using win32gui

If the above methods don’t work for you or if you prefer not to use external libraries, you can opt for the win32gui approach:

Code Example:
Here's how to achieve your goal using win32gui:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

By using one of the above methods, you will be able to have your Python program open an Excel file and wait for the user to close it after saving changes. Depending on your requirements and environment, you can select the library that best suits your needs.

This will lead to a smoother interaction between your Python script and the Excel program, thereby enhancing productivity and user experience.

Feel free to explore these methods, and don't hesitate to ask questions as you continue your coding journey.