Fix Python Not Found Errors Easily | Generated by AI

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Yes — the "python not found" error happens because your login shell might not have the same PATH environment as the interactive shell where you normally type python. When you call subprocess.run(..., shell=True), the subshell might not see python if it’s not on $PATH or if your system only has python3.

Here are reliable ways to fix it:

1. Use sys.executable

Instead of relying on python being found, always call the currently running Python interpreter:

import os
import subprocess
import platform
import sys

def gpa():
    python_exec = sys.executable  # full path to current Python interpreter

    system = platform.system()
    if system == "Linux":
        shell_command = f"bash -l -c '{python_exec} ~/bin/gitmessageai.py --api deepseek --allow-pull-push'"
    elif system == "Darwin":
        shell_command = f"zsh -l -c '{python_exec} ~/bin/gitmessageai.py --api deepseek --allow-pull-push'"
    else:  # Windows
        shell_command = f'cmd.exe /c "{python_exec} %USERPROFILE%\\bin\\gitmessageai.py --api deepseek --allow-pull-push"'

    subprocess.run(shell_command, shell=True)

This guarantees that the same Python you used to run your script will also run gitmessageai.py.

2. Try both python and python3

Some systems only have python3. You can detect availability:

import shutil

python_exec = shutil.which("python") or shutil.which("python3")

Then substitute that into your command string.

3. Hardcode a known path

If you know the absolute path (e.g. /usr/bin/python3 or /opt/homebrew/bin/python3), you can directly use it in your command.

👉 The most robust solution is Option 1 (sys.executable), since it uses the interpreter already running your script. That way you never depend on $PATH.

Do you want me to refactor your function with sys.executable fully integrated so you don’t ever see the "python not found" error again?

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