Simulate input to another program

[31337one]

Hello everyone,

I am using a python script as a way to test another program that I have
written in C++. The program cannot be altered. It needs to stay the way
it is.

I need to simulate a few keystrokes to the application while it is
running. The application uses number keys and y and n to navigate a
basic menu.

Is there a way within python to simulate the keystrokes to this other
program.

Both the application and the python script are running in a terminal.

Thanks for all your help,

-E

 

[TeCh]

I am using a python script as a way to test another program that I have
written in C++. The program cannot be altered. It needs to stay the way
it is.

I need to simulate a few keystrokes to the application while it is
running. The application uses number keys and y and n to navigate a
basic menu.

Is there a way within python to simulate the keystrokes to this other
program.

I think this is possible with an expect module, such as
http://pexpect.sourceforge.net/.

<quote>
Description: Python module for automating interactive applications
Pexpect is a pure Python module for spawning child applications;
controlling them; and responding to expected patterns in their
output. Pexpect works like Don Libes' Expect. Pexpect allows your
script to spawn a child application and control it as if a human were
typing commands.
</quote>

 

[31337one]

So there is no easy built in way to do this?

 

[Antoon Pardon]

So there is no easy built in way to do this?

Depends on what you mean by easy. A look at the pty module
may help.