How do I use grep on Windows while using Python?

Question

I need to use the grep command to search for a pattern in a text file. But I'm on Windows so how do I do that? Oh and I have to use python.

My teacher said we have to input something like

grep "Hello" file.txt

in Python's shell.

But base on what I found in the internet, that should be inputted in Linux's terminal. I asked our teacher about it but he said I should just look for it on YouTube :(

I really don't have any idea how to do this and where to start. Please help me!

EDIT: I used re.search to do the same thing before but my teacher won't accept it. I really have to use grep!

If anyone has any idea how that is possible please tell me

See [Why is “Can someone help me?” not an actual question?](https://meta.stackoverflow.com/questions/284236) — Wiktor Stribiżew, Jul 16 '20 at 10:50
[findstr](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/findstr) and [Select-String](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.utility/select-string?view=powershell-7) are comparable commands on Windows — Honinbo Shusaku, Jul 16 '20 at 10:57
What does this have to do with Python? There's no built-in `grep` in Windows, [the closest alternative is `findstr`](https://superuser.com/questions/300815/grep-equivalent-for-windows-7). — ForceBru, Jul 16 '20 at 10:57
@WiktorStribiżew I'm sorry. But my question is this "How do I use grep on Windows while using Python?" I want to know if this is really possible. — Rose, Jul 16 '20 at 10:58
@ForceBru RIGHT?! But my teacher insists to use python for it. That's why I was wondering if anyone has an idea how do I do that. — Rose, Jul 16 '20 at 11:00
There is a Windows version of `grep`, so the answer is "yes, you may if you install all these apps". — Wiktor Stribiżew, Jul 16 '20 at 11:01
@Rose In that case, ForceBru's link has an [answer](https://superuser.com/a/301075) that shares 2 options on getting `grep` on Windows — Honinbo Shusaku, Jul 16 '20 at 11:02
@WiktorStribiżew I'm okay with installing apps.. but what app will make it possible for me to input/use grep in python's shell? — Rose, Jul 16 '20 at 11:07
See https://stackoverflow.com/questions/23798617/using-grep-from-python-console — Wiktor Stribiżew, Jul 16 '20 at 11:09
For future reference, see [What topics can I ask about here?](https://stackoverflow.com/help/on-topic), point #3: 'Questions asking for homework help' — Lucan, Jul 16 '20 at 11:41
@Lucan Hi! Sorry I thought I already followed what it said. I'll be clearer next time. Thank you! — Rose, Jul 16 '20 at 12:37

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 16 '20 at 12:03

1

You can use the os module.

import os

os.sytem("grep -w \"Hello\" file.txt")

# Note:
# Command has to be a string.
# Command should have escape characters, like \".

You can install grep for Windows from this site.

answered Jul 16 '20 at 12:03

777moneymaker

697
4
15

Hi!! I did what you said. But when I tried to print it, it only outputs "1". Why is this? – Rose Jul 16 '20 at 12:35
1

It's just and example. You should read a manual for grep and find switches that you have to use. I don't know what pattern are you looking for, so I can't help you right now. – 777moneymaker Jul 16 '20 at 12:39

How do I use grep on Windows while using Python?

1 Answers1