Pythonw.exe or python.exe?

File Associations and Console Interaction

python.exe typically opens .py files and pythonw.exe opens .pyw files. That's because python.exe connects standard streams (sys.stdin, sys.stdout, sys.stderr) to the console. This connection actively shows input, output, and errors in real-time.

On the other hand, pythonw.exe doesn't create a console. So, if something breaks... no instant feedback. Redirect stdout and stderr to capture this information:

# It's like a security cam for pythonw.exe
import sys

sys.stdout = open('output.log', 'w')
sys.stderr = open('error.log', 'w')
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Ironing-out Errors and Execution Timing

Scripts run with pythonw.exe can fail silently. You might have a syntax error, but without a console to yell at you, you wouldn't know. That's why you always make sure your scripts run flawlessly with python.exe before moving to pythonw.exe.

Upon launching from shells like cmd.exe or PowerShell, python.exe executes synchronously. Simply put, the console comes back only after the script finishes.

Use-case Scenarios and Best Practices

• Python GUI apps should run with pythonw.exe. After all, who likes an unwanted pop-up?
• Background operations (like your PC running virus checks while you binge-watch that new show) work well with pythonw.exe.
• Is your Python syntax acting wonky? Probably because Python 3 wants print statements enclosed with parentheses. You can thank PEP 3105 for that!

Solving Practical Quandaries

Got a Python GUI app on your hands? Save your script with a .pyw extension and associate it with pythonw.exe. Now, when users double-click to run it, they won't see any pesky console window.

If you're running things silently with pythonw.exe, you may want to capture output for later review. Consider logging within your scripts to solidify your debug info.

# Python Noir: Who left the error.log behind?
import logging

logging.basicConfig(filename='app.log', level=logging.INFO)
logging.info('Our application has started...')
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Enhancing Execution

After associating .pyw files with pythonw.exe, always double-check the association in file properties.

Consider using tools like PyInstaller to embed your Python interpreter in an executable. It's a neat way to bundle your scripts alongside a Python runtime.

The main motto is: "Keep it user-friendly!" If you're designing a script for background tasks, a .pyw extension provides seamless integration with your main application.