test.py

import os

# Specify the file path
file_path = "./status.txt"
if os.path.exists(file_path):
    with open(file_path, 'r') as file:
        content = file.read().strip()
        if content == "running":
            print("file already running")
            exit()  # Exit the program if the file already says "running"

with open(file_path, 'w') as file:
    file.write("running")
    print("file status set to running")