Pythonw.exe vs python.exe: When to Use Which?

Understanding the Difference Between pythonw.exe and python.exe

When dealing with Python scripts, you'll encounter two executable files: pythonw.exe and python.exe. Understanding the subtle but significant distinctions between them is crucial for choosing the appropriate tool.

python.exe: The Console Application Invoker

python.exe is a console application designed to execute Python scripts that require a text-based interface. Key attributes of python.exe include:

• Opens a new console window (unless already running in one)
• Input and output streams (sys.stdin, sys.stdout, and sys.stderr) are connected to the console
• Execution is synchronous in terminal windows
• Default association for *.py files

pythonw.exe: The GUI and Silent Script Launcher

pythonw.exe, on the other hand, is a GUI application for launching scripts that do not require user interaction:

• Does not open a console window, making it ideal for GUI or non-interactive scripts
• Execution is asynchronous, allowing for rapid script initiation without blocking the command line
• Input and output streams are not accessible, posing potential issues if print() is used
• Default association for *.pyw files

Choosing the Right Executable

To decide which executable to use, consider the nature of your script:

• For command-line scripts, user interaction, or debugging, use python.exe.
• For GUI-based applications or non-interactive scripts, use pythonw.exe.

File Extension and Associations

You can control the default executable association for your scripts by adjusting the file extension:

• *.py files default to python.exe
• *.pyw files default to pythonw.exe

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