Running a Python script in the background from a PHP file

Question

I need to run a Python script in the background after being called from a PHP file. The PHP file should continue to run independently of the Python script (i.e. it shouldn't hang waiting for the Python script to finish processing, but should instead carry on processing itself).

The Python script takes one argument and produces no output (it merely processes some data in the background), then exits. I'm running Python 2.6, PHP 5.2.6, and Ubuntu 9.04.

GordonM · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-11 12:59:28Z

2

You could use exec() to kick off the Python interperator and have it send its output to either a file or to /dev/null with redirection. Using the & operator in the exec call will cause the command to be started and PHP to continue without waiting for a result.

http://www.developertutorials.com/tutorials/php/running-background-processes-in-php-349/ goes into more detail.

answered Mar 11, 2011 at 12:59

GordonM

31.9k17 gold badges94 silver badges134 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

johneth Over a year ago

This seems to be the answer I've been looking for. Thanks very much! (Will accept as answer when the time limit runs out)

Felix Over a year ago

As I said on the other answer suggesting the use of the ampersand (&), be aware that this could create zombie processes. It would be safer to make the Python script daemonize, as I have suggested.

klennepette · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-11 13:07:08Z

1

PHP Process Control can be used for this. The proc_open command can be used to start a process. You can later check up on it, read it's output etc. View the manual entry: http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.proc-open.php and search around google for PHP Process Control

answered Mar 11, 2011 at 13:07

klennepette

3,19623 silver badges23 bronze badges

Comments

Felix · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-11 13:00:39Z

0

I'm guessing the PHP file is called via Apache, in which case you won't be able to fork(). You should make your Python script daemonize. Check out python-daemon.

answered Mar 11, 2011 at 13:00

Felix

89.7k44 gold badges152 silver badges168 bronze badges

Comments

Adnan · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-11 13:00:46Z

0

You could use:

<?php
shell_exec('./test.sh &');
?>

where ./test.sh should be the execution line to your script

answered Mar 11, 2011 at 13:00

Adnan

26.4k18 gold badges83 silver badges112 bronze badges

1 Comment

Felix Over a year ago

Note that this can create zombie processes.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Running a Python script in the background from a PHP file

4 Answers 4

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

4 Answers 4

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related