Open document with default OS application in Python, both in Windows and Mac OS

Question

I need to be able to open a document using its default application in Windows and Mac OS. Basically, I want to do the same thing that happens when you double-click on the do

Answer 1

If you have to use an heuristic method, you may consider webbrowser.
It's standard library and despite of its name it would also try to open files:

Note that on some platforms, trying to open a filename using this function, may work and start the operating system’s associated program. However, this is neither supported nor portable. (Reference)

I tried this code and it worked fine in Windows 7 and Ubuntu Natty:

import webbrowser
webbrowser.open("path_to_file")

This code also works fine in Windows XP Professional, using Internet Explorer 8.