Question

How can I make one python file to run another?

For example I have two .py files. I want one file to be run, and then have it run the other .py file.

Answer 1

There are more than a few ways. I’ll list them in order of inverted preference (i.e., best first, worst last):

1. Treat it like a module: import file. This is good because it’s secure, fast, and maintainable. Code gets reused as it’s supposed to be done. Most Python libraries run using multiple methods stretched over lots of files. Highly recommended. Note that if your file is called file.py, your import should not include the .py extension at the end.
2. The infamous (and unsafe) exec command: Insecure, hacky, usually the wrong answer. Avoid where possible.
   • execfile('file.py') in Python 2
   • exec(open('file.py').read()) in Python 3
3. Spawn a shell process: os.system('python file.py'). Use when desperate.