---
title: "system.util.execute"
description: "Executes the given commands via the operating system, in a separate process."
---

# system.util.execute

> Executes the given commands via the operating system, in a separate process.

This function is used in **Python Scripting**.

## Description
Executes the given commands via the operating system, in a separate process. The commands argument is an array of strings. The first string is the program to execute, with subsequent strings being the arguments to that command.

## Client Permission Restrictions
This scripting function has no [Client Permission](../../../ignition-modules/vision/vision-project-properties/vision-project-properties.md#vision-permissions-properties) restrictions.

## Syntax
`system.util.execute(commands)`

### Parameters
Type | Parameter | Description 
------- | ------- | ------
List[String]| `commands` | A list containing the command (1st entry) and associated arguments (remaining entries) to execute.

### Returns
Nothing
### Scope
Gateway, Vision Client, Perspective Session

## Code Examples
```python title="Example #1"
# This function flushes the resolver cache.
system.util.execute(["ipconfig", "/flushdns"])
```

```python title="Example #2"
# This code starts the Firefox browser and opens the Google home page.
# Although system.util.execute() is also Perspective Session scoped, the following code snippet
# will not work in a Perspective Session due to limitations of launching programs from a web environment.
system.util.execute(['C:\\Program Files\\Mozilla Firefox\\firefox.exe', 'https://www.google.com'])
```

```python title="Example #3"
# This code runs the Notepad program and opens the Ignition license text file.
# Although system.util.execute() is also Perspective Session scoped, the following code snippet
# will not work in a Perspective Session due to limitations of launching programs from a web environment.  
system.util.execute(['notepad.exe', 'C:\\Program Files\\Inductive Automation\\Ignition\\license.txt'])
```