Why use Python's os module methods instead of executing shell commands directly?

Question

I am trying to understand what is the motivation behind using Python\'s library functions for executing OS-specific tasks such as creating files/directories, changing file attri

Answer 1

It is safer. To give you an idea here is an example script

import os
file = raw_input("Please enter a file: ")
os.system("chmod 777 " + file)

If the input from the user was test; rm -rf ~ this would then delete the home directory.

This is why it is safer to use the built in function.

Hence why you should use subprocess instead of system too.