Python: Run an operating system command using the os module

Last update on April 24 2025 12:37:49 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

17. Run OS Command

Write a Python program to run an operating system command using the OS module.

Sample Solution:

Python Code :

import os
if os.name == "nt":
   command = "dir"
else:
   command = "ls -l"
os.system(command)

Sample Output:

total 4
-rw-rw-rw- 1 root root 99 Jan 18 10:50 main.py

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

Write a Python program to write a string to an in-memory buffer using io.StringIO, retrieve the value, and then clear the buffer.
Write a Python function that writes multiple lines to a buffer, prints the buffer's content, and then discards it by closing the buffer.
Write a Python script to simulate file operations on a memory buffer: write data, read it back, and then reset the buffer to an empty state.
Write a Python program to use an in-memory buffer to temporarily store text, print the content, and then demonstrate that the buffer is empty after discarding.

Go to:

Previous: Write a Python program to write a string to a buffer and retrieve the value written, at the end discard buffer memory.
Next: Write a Python program to start a new process replacing the current process.

Python Code Editor:

Have another way to solve this solution? Contribute your code (and comments) through Disqus.