python-can¶

The python-can library provides Controller Area Network support for Python, providing common abstractions to different hardware devices, and a suite of utilities for sending and receiving messages on a CAN bus.

python-can runs any where Python runs; from high powered computers with commercial CAN to USB devices right down to low powered devices running linux such as a BeagleBone or RaspberryPi.

More concretely, some example uses of the library:

Passively logging what occurs on a CAN bus. For example monitoring a commercial vehicle using its OBD-II port.
Testing of hardware that interacts via CAN. Modules found in modern cars, motorcycles, boats, and even wheelchairs have had components tested from Python using this library.
Prototyping new hardware modules or software algorithms in-the-loop. Easily interact with an existing bus.
Creating virtual modules to prototype CAN bus communication.

Brief example of the library in action: connecting to a CAN bus, creating and sending a message:

#!/usr/bin/env python  """ This example shows how sending a single message works. """  import can   def send_one():  """Sends a single message."""   # this uses the default configuration (for example from the config file)  # see https://python-can.readthedocs.io/en/stable/configuration.html  with can.Bus() as bus:  # Using specific buses works similar:  # bus = can.Bus(interface='socketcan', channel='vcan0', bitrate=250000)  # bus = can.Bus(interface='pcan', channel='PCAN_USBBUS1', bitrate=250000)  # bus = can.Bus(interface='ixxat', channel=0, bitrate=250000)  # bus = can.Bus(interface='vector', app_name='CANalyzer', channel=0, bitrate=250000)  # ...   msg = can.Message(  arbitration_id=0xC0FFEE, data=[0, 25, 0, 1, 3, 1, 4, 1], is_extended_id=True  )   try:  bus.send(msg)  print(f"Message sent on {bus.channel_info}")  except can.CanError:  print("Message NOT sent")   if __name__ == "__main__":  send_one() 

Contents:

Known Bugs¶

See the project bug tracker on github. Patches and pull requests very welcome!

Documentation generated

Aug 12, 2025