Using Optparse, Subprocess, and Doctest To Make Unix Utils

Noah Gift

Most developers use Unix derived command line tools, written in C, everyday. This talk will discuss using the Python Standard Library modules, Optparse, Subprocess, and Doctest, to create equally robust tools in pure Python. There has been a lot of talk recently about Web 2.0 mashups, but the same concepts can be applied to creating command line tools in Python.




I will be discussing how easy it is to combine the power of the Optparse module, with the flexibility of the Subprocess module, to create standalone, and "mashup" tools from existing, and widely available Unix utilities. Finally, Doctests can be embedded to serve as an important documentation and testing tool for your newly created Unix mashup tool.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• python
• pyconn

[rrutia]

fix the audio !

[Ormaaj]

Can't hear!

[dougal85]

oh yeah, its TERRIBLE!

[grywacz]

Awful sound quality. :-(