Least Complex Method To Kill Python Script Running in The Background

Question

I am running a script called mystepper.py in the background (/home/pi/mystepper.py); it moves two stepper motors for my RPi Camara. I would like to understand the easiest way to kill the mystepper.py script by name if possible. I then plan to create an alias in /home/pi/.bashrc so I can control the camera using my iPhone with the iFreeRDP app. The iFreeRDP app and similar apps have a broken key board such that the period and space bar don't work, thus the need for a shortcut alias to remove the need for spaces and periods.

After killing that script, I will make stepper motor position adjustments with /home/pi/moveit.py and then retart mystepper.py.

So if someone could show me the least complex method of killing a script, that would be great!

Charith A. · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-23 15:25:36Z

5

pkill can kill a process by matching against its command line by using the -f flag. See the manpage.

$ pkill -f mystepper.py

should do the trick.

Updated to include Marks suggestion in the comment below

To shorten this into a single command eg: killit, the following line should be placed into ~/.bashrc

alias killit='sudo pkill -f /home/pi/mystepper.py'

Note: The above works without password auth on a Raspberry Pi because the default Raspbian /etc/suoders file disables password challenge when using sudo as the pi user.

i.e., in /etc/suoders

pi ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

See manpage for syntax.

As a different user or in a situation where this does not apply, then adding the following via the visudo command at the very end of /etc/sudoers should work. Replace pi with the correct user that calls the script (replacing with ALL should allow all users to run mystepper.py with root privileges - have not tested this).

pi ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/python /home/pi/mystepper.py

edited Mar 23, 2016 at 15:25

answered Mar 21, 2016 at 21:33

Charith A.

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4 Comments

Mark Over a year ago

Yes, that works great! I would modify your answer just a touch. How I got it to work was: alias killit='sudo pkill -f /home/pi/mystepper.py That extra bit helps the newbies like myself but is just a given for you experts. Now I can just type killit to get the job done. Thanks!

Charith A. Over a year ago

No probs, have updated as you've suggested. Also included a reason as to why it works with sudo without a password challenge on Raspbian and how to achieve on other systems.

Mark Over a year ago

Thanks. Oh, I just noticed the alias command needs to have a closed quote. I think I missed that on my last reply. Should look like this with the ' at the end, right? killit='sudo pkill -f /home/pi/mystepper.py'

Charith A. Over a year ago

yes, correct. Sorry, didn't see that either. Fixed.

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