Hiding Console Window in Python

In the realm of executable creation, a common goal for programmers is to conceal the console window during application execution. This becomes particularly important for standalone binaries, where the user's visual interface should remain uncluttered by unnecessary windows.

One such scenario arises when writing an IRC bot in Python, where the bot's functionality should operate without a visible console. To achieve this, you can employ the following simple yet effective technique:

Solution

For Windows systems, you can suppress the console window by saving your Python script with a ".pyw" extension.

Explanation

When you run a Python script with the conventional ".py" extension, the associated process executes in "script mode." This mode opens a console window, allowing access to the program's output and input. However, when the extension is ".pyw," the process executes in "executable mode" and the console window is hidden.

This feature is unique to Windows systems, which automatically associate ".py" files with the "python.exe" executable. By using the ".pyw" extension, you effectively specify that the script should run in "executable mode," suppressing the console window.

This technique provides a convenient way to create standalone binaries that operate seamlessly without distracting users with unnecessary console windows.