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How to change the current directory of the command window from which a python script is invoked

I am writing a python script, that it should change directory (cd) of the current shell, to a specific directory, based on the user input.

The problem is everytime this script ends, I am back again to the original path, without changing.

bash-4.2$ pwd
/home/<username>/scripts
bash-4.2$ ./enterFW.py -fw <fw>
/filer/syslog_ng/2019/<fw>/2019/01/28  #<--I print the new directory, and it should be correct
bash-4.2$ pwd
/home/<username>/scripts #<-however after the script ends, i am back again to the original path
bash-4.2$

I change directory, using subprocess.call(['cd', <new path>]), or os.chdir(<new path>)...all are the same.

Please check, and advise

RobC
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AOS
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    You shouldn't do that. Check this thread https://stackoverflow.com/questions/431684/how-do-i-change-directory-cd-in-python – ZWang Jan 28 '19 at 14:36
  • aha... you can add a startup script that does "cd /path" – MEdwin Jan 28 '19 at 14:41
  • Possible duplicate of [Possible to change directory and have change persist when script finishes?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/39777348/possible-to-change-directory-and-have-change-persist-when-script-finishes) – glibdud Jan 28 '19 at 14:45

1 Answers1

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The only way I can think of is actual workaround. Where you pick up the output of your script in current shell. Otherwise eveything gets executed in subshell.

myprogram.py

import os
new_dir = "/home/cabox/workspace"
os.chdir(new_dir)
print os.getcwd()

In linux shell:

cabox@box-codeanywhere:~/workspace/cliRtStocks$ pwd
/home/cabox/workspace/cliRtStocks

cabox@box-codeanywhere:~/workspace/cliRtStocks$ a=`python myprogram.py`;cd $a

cabox@box-codeanywhere:~/workspace$ pwd
/home/cabox/workspace
cabox@box-codeanywhere:~/workspace$
NotTooTechy
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  • Thanks for the workaround, and it works yes.. i did it in another way cd $(./enterFW.py -fw ), but it is the same. I also looked for any ENV var that I can set to change the path like @PWD, but i failed....however this is enough for now – AOS Jan 30 '19 at 13:31