What is exit(0), exit(1) ... exit(8) codes in Python Programming


In Python there are a set of 9 exit codes running from 0-8, these exit codes can be helpful to who was the execution of a Python program succession without any error, or if there was an error what was the error related to.

The below table covers the list of all exit codes and their meaning and example of their occurrences.

Exit Code Meaning Occurrences
0 Successful execution with no errors Example: Program completed successfully
1 Generic or unspecified error Example: Unclassified or miscellaneous errors
2 Command line syntax error or improper usage Example: Invalid command line arguments or options
3 Missing file or resource Example: File not found or required resource unavailable
4 Input/output (I/O) error Example: Failed input/output operations (e.g., file reading)
5 Operating system or system-related error Example: System-related failures (e.g., permission denied)
6 User interrupt Example: User interruption (e.g., keyboard interrupt)
7 Improper software/library version Example: Incompatibility or incorrect software version
8 Unhandled exception or software bug Example: Uncaught exceptions or unexpected software errors


Example: Exit Code 0: Successful execution with no errors

print("Hello there")
# python3 sample.py
Hello there

# $?
0

Example: Exit Code 1: Generic or unspecified error:

import sys


print("An unspecified error occurred while executing the Python program.")
sys.exit(1)
# python3 sample.py
An unspecified error occurred while executing the Python program.

# echo $?
1
Example:
import sys

print(sys.argv[2])
# python3 sample.py 12
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/Users/c2ctechtv/Desktop/sample.py", line 3, in <module>
    print(sys.argv[2])
IndexError: list index out of range

# echo $?
1

Example: Exit Code 2: Command line syntax error or improper usage:

import sys

if len(sys.argv) < 2:
    print("Please provide all input parameters.")
    sys.exit(2)
# python3 sample.py 1
Please provide all input parameters

# echo $?
2

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