exec: "python": executable file not found in $PATH

What This Error Means

The container failed to start because the entrypoint/command is missing or not executable.

How to Fix It

1. Inspect the Dockerfile ENTRYPOINT/CMD and confirm the file exists in the final image.
2. Enter the image and check: docker run --rm -it <image> sh then ls -la <path>.
3. Fix permissions in the image build (example: RUN chmod +x /path/to/file).

Why It Happens

• The binary/script is not present in the image at the expected path.
• File permissions do not allow execution (chmod +x missing).
• The command is correct but depends on a missing runtime/interpreter.

How to Verify

1. Rebuild the image and re-run the container.
2. Confirm the container process starts and stays running.

Common CLI Output

exec: "python": executable file not found in $PATH

Prevention Tips

• Add a simple smoke test in CI that runs the image and checks the entrypoint.
• Prefer absolute paths and ensure scripts have correct line endings and shebang.