Fix Python KeyboardInterrupt (2025 Guide)

Posted on: March 23, 2025

Encountered a "KeyboardInterrupt" in Python? This error occurs when a user presses `Ctrl+C` to stop a running script. Let’s fix it fast in this 2025 guide!

What Causes "KeyboardInterrupt"?

KeyboardInterrupt is raised when a user manually interrupts a Python program, typically with `Ctrl+C`. It’s common in long-running loops or processes. Causes include:

• User Action: Pressing `Ctrl+C` during execution.
• Infinite Loops: Scripts that don’t exit naturally.
• No Handling: Lack of interruption management.

# This triggers "KeyboardInterrupt"
while True:
    print("Running...")  # Press Ctrl+C to stop

How to Fix It: 3 Solutions

(Diagram: Developer adds handling, resolves error, runs successfully.)

Solution 1: Use Try-Except

# Wrong
while True:
    print("Running...")

# Fixed
try:
    while True:
        print("Running...")
except KeyboardInterrupt:
    print("Stopped by user!")

Catch KeyboardInterrupt to exit gracefully.

Solution 2: Add Exit Condition

# Wrong
while True:
    print("Running...")

# Fixed
count = 0
while count < 10:
    print("Running...")
    count += 1
print("Finished naturally!")

Ensure loops have a defined end to avoid needing manual interruption.

Solution 3: Signal Handling

# Wrong
while True:
    print("Running...")

# Fixed
import signal
import sys

def handler(signum, frame):
    print("Interrupted! Exiting...")
    sys.exit(0)

signal.signal(signal.SIGINT, handler)
while True:
    print("Running...")

Use the signal module to customize interruption behavior.

Quick Checklist

• Graceful exit? (Use try-except)
• Infinite loop? (Add condition)
• Custom behavior? (Use signal)

Conclusion

The "KeyboardInterrupt" in Python is a user-driven stop signal, but with these 2025 solutions, you can handle it smoothly. Got another Python error? Let us know in the comments!