How can I start a query in PostgreSQL, then detach the initiating program (e.g. python) so it can be closed, leaving the query to run for days

Question

I have a large PostgreSQL database which takes days or weeks to run our business queries. I am developing a Python front-end for users to trigger these queries. I would like to know if it is possible to detach the python process from the queries it triggers in PG so the front end can be closed, leaving the queries to run quietly in the DB?

You're right, I just found this answer: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5772873/python-spawn-off-a-child-subprocess-detach-and-exit. I can't suggest my own answer yet because I haven't tested it — James N, Feb 11 '15 at 21:24

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 11:50

0

It turns out this was trivial, from this answer to a similar question. I didn't mention I was using Windows, which makes a difference.

import subprocess
cmd = ['psql', '-d', 'test', '-U', 'postgres', '-f', 'test_points.pgsql']
subprocess.Popen(cmd)  # will run in the background if the output is not used in the rest of the script

edited May 23 '17 at 11:50

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answered Feb 11 '15 at 22:06

James N

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How can I start a query in PostgreSQL, then detach the initiating program (e.g. python) so it can be closed, leaving the query to run for days

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