How to run a python script so matplotlib plot does not block

Asked Nov 30 '22 at 17:47

Active Nov 30 '22 at 18:09

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Is there a way for a python script to run to completion while backgrounding a matplotlib plot? The code below will block until the plot is closed.

import matplotlib
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
x = [0,1,2,3,4]
plt.plot(x)
plt.show()

Setting plt.show(block=False) prevents the plot from ever showing up.

Clarification on running: From a linux shell, running python example.py, which contains the code above, should run and return to the linux prompt while the plot stays up. Currently the plot will block the completion of the python script.

edited Nov 30 '22 at 18:09

asked Nov 30 '22 at 17:47

BigBrownBear00

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`plot.show(block=False)` has a simple typo. It should be `plt.show(block=False)` – Constantin Hong Nov 30 '22 at 17:53
Sorry, that was a typo in my question and not my code. – BigBrownBear00 Nov 30 '22 at 17:59
plt.ion() to be in interactive mode – amirhm Nov 30 '22 at 18:00
I'm using the Jupyter Notebook. There your plot stays open while you can advance in your code. You can also live update it, using sliders and whatnot. Maybe it's helpful to you. – Leviathan Nov 30 '22 at 18:02
What is "Is there a way for a python script to run to completion while backgrounding a matplotlib plot?" mean? – Constantin Hong Nov 30 '22 at 18:02
@ConstantinHong presumably he means to have the plot open in the background while continuing whatever else he is doing. Edit: Sorry. – Leviathan Nov 30 '22 at 18:05
Will add more clarification to the question. I thought it was clear. – BigBrownBear00 Nov 30 '22 at 18:07
Once the python process ends, the matplotlib child processes get killed. You will have to save the figure out and open it with an image viewer. – Paul Brodersen Dec 02 '22 at 12:57
matplotlib doesn't allow backgrounding the process? – BigBrownBear00 Dec 02 '22 at 12:58
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There isn't anything built into matplotlib but then your question is really about spawning detached child processes, and the answer to that is that usually you can use `multiprocessing`. Example answer [here](https://stackoverflow.com/a/56982302/2912349). – Paul Brodersen Dec 02 '22 at 13:07
Yeah, that is what I am looking for. It's a shame that this isn't built into matplotlib. – BigBrownBear00 Dec 02 '22 at 13:39

How to run a python script so matplotlib plot does not block

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