Running a Python program from the command line using only the program name

Question

I'm being asked to make a python program that parses tokens.

The usage is as follows:

$ cat input.txt | program "some text %{0} and %{1S3}" > output.txt

but the best I can manage is:

$ cat input.txt | py program.py "some text %{0} and %{1S3}" > output.txt

or if I make the script executable, remove the file extension, and I'm in the current directory

$ cat input.txt | ./program "some text %{0} and %{1S3}" > output.txt

Is there a way for me to use the first example's style of execution with a python script? Ideally I'd also be able to use it from anywhere, not necessary when pointing at the directory containing the program.

Edit: I've tried this:

Here's what I tried --

$ cd projects/token_parser/
$ ln -s grap /usr/local/bin/grap
ln: failed to create symbolic link '/usr/local/bin/grap': Permission denied
$ sudo ln -s grap /usr/local/bin/grap 
[sudo] password for fosssaintdross: 
$ grap
bash: grap: command not found

why don't you just read and write file from your python script ? — Dadep
– Dadep, Commented Aug 21, 2017 at 17:25
It's a code audition for an interview so I'm trying to match their spec as closely as possible. — Matt Cree
– Matt Cree, Commented Aug 21, 2017 at 17:30
I wouldn't worry about being too picky for someone who uses cat input.txt | program ... as an example. — chepner
– chepner, Commented Aug 21, 2017 at 19:17

Egal · Accepted Answer · 2017-08-21 17:47:33Z

2

You need to make sure the location containing program.py is in the PATH environment variable. Alternatively you can link to it from a path that is already in the list, for example:

ln -s /path/to/program.py /usr/local/bin/program

answered Aug 21, 2017 at 17:47

Egal

1,50413 silver badges23 bronze badges

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

5 Comments

chepner Over a year ago

If you actually have write access to /usr/local, it's typically a far better idea to do a proper installation, rather than throwing arbitrary symlinks in to /usr/local/bin.

Matt Cree Over a year ago

I've added some more info.

Egal Over a year ago

Try linking to the full path

Matt Cree Over a year ago

Do these links persist between sessions? Or is it transient?

Egal Over a year ago

It's persistent as your filesystem. So for a regular laptop/desktop installation the answer is yes.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Running a Python program from the command line using only the program name

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

5 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related