title: Python - How to check if a file is used by another application?
body: <p>I want to open a file which is periodically written to by another application. This application cannot be modified. I'd therefore like to only open the file when I know it is not been written to by an other application.</p>
  
  <p>Is there a pythonic way to do this? Otherwise, how do I achieve this in Unix and Windows?</p>
  
  <p><strong>edit</strong>: I'll try and clarify. <em>Is there a way to check if the current file has been opened by another application?</em></p>
  
  <p>I'd like to start with this question. Whether those other application read/write is irrelevant for now.</p>
  
  <p>I realize it is probably OS dependent, so this may not really be python related right now.</p>