python-shell-workaround

# Python Shell Workaround ## When to Use This Skill Use this pattern when `execute_code_sandbox` fails with Python code that requires external packages (like `openpyxl`, `python-docx`, `pandas`, etc.) that may not be available in the sandbox environment. ## The Pattern Instead of relying solely on `execute_code_sandbox`, use `run_shell` with inline Python commands as a fallback: ```bash python3 -c "your python code here" ``` ## Step-by-Step Instructions ### Step 1: Detect Sandbox Failure Watch for errors like: - ModuleNotFoundError for common packages - Import errors for external libraries - Sandbox environment limitations ### Step 2: Convert Python Code to Shell Command Transform your Python script into a one-liner or use a heredoc for longer scripts: **For simple code:** ```bash python3 -c "import openpyxl; wb = openpyxl.Workbook(); wb.save('file.xlsx')" ``` **For complex code (using heredoc):** ```bash python3 << 'EOF' import openpyxl from openpyxl.utils import get_column_letter wb = openpyxl.Workbook() ws = wb.active ws['A1'] = 'Header' wb.save('output.xlsx') print('File created successfully') EOF ``` ### Step 3: Execute with run_shell Use `run_shell` to execute the command: ``` tool: run_shell command: python3 -c "import openpyxl; print('Package available')" ``` ### Step 4: Verify Output Check the stdout/stderr from run_shell to confirm success, then proceed with subsequent steps. ## Best Practices 1. **Escape quotes properly**: Use single quotes inside double-quoted strings or vice versa 2. **Use heredocs for multiline code**: Cleaner and easier to debug 3. **Install packages if needed**: Add `pip install package` before your Python command if packages are missing 4. **Chain commands safely**: Use `&&` to ensure prerequisites succeed before running Python code ## Example Scenarios ### Creating Excel Files ```bash python3 << 'EOF' import openpyxl from openpyxl.worksheet.datavalidation import DataValidation wb = openpyxl.Workbook() ws = wb.active ws.title = "Data" # Add headers headers = ['Name', 'Email', 'Status'] for col, header in enumerate(headers, 1): ws.cell(row=1, column=col, value=header) wb.save('output.xlsx') EOF ``` ### Creating Word Documents ```bash python3 -c " from docx import Document doc = Document() doc.add_heading('Report', 0) doc.save('report.docx') print('Document created') " ``` ## Limitations - Complex multiline scripts are harder to maintain as one-liners - Debugging is less convenient than in sandbox - Some packages may still not be available in the shell environment ## Related Patterns - If packages are truly unavailable, consider installing them first: `pip install package_name && python3 -c "..."` - For persistent scripts, write to a `.py` file first, then execute with `python3 script.py`