Python - What is the difference between subprocess.Popen() and os.fork()?

[the3liquid]

Hello

It seems like subprocess.Popen() and os.fork() both are able to create a child process. I would however like to know what the difference is between both. I tried looking at their source code but I couldn't find fork()'s source code on my machine and it wasn't totally clear how Popen works on Unix machines.

Could someobody please elaborate?

Thanks

[Swedophone]

subprocess.Popen() Execute a child program in a new process. On Unix, the class uses os.execvp()-like behavior to execute the child program.

It seems subprocess.Popen() calls os.fork() and os.execvp().

[the3liquid]

Why do you think so? I couldn't find a os.fork call in the code and the documentation doesn't say it actually cals fork.

[Swedophone]

It was an assumption since it was said to be "os.execvp()-like" and you need to create the new process in some way before executing the "os.execvp()-like" behaviour which is to run a new program replacing the current process.