How can I execute new commands while an existing command runs?

Question

I have a Python script which runs terminal commands to complete tasks. At one point in the script, I start a wifi network and everything sets up just fine, but the terminal will leave a blinking cursor and not accept any further commands (as the wifi command remains running). I may type other commands and hit enter, but nothing will happen. The only way to continue my script is to hit Ctrl+Z to stop the wifi command. This then allows the script to continue to run without any issues.

Is there a way to open a new process or terminal window to run a specific terminal command so that I may continue to run commands from Python on a main window?

EXTRA ANSWER: You can use something called threading in python. This will let you run commands and functions separately while continuing the main script.

Answer 1

If the script (yes post it) doesn't need user action, you could start it in the background by appending & to the command:

start_the_wifi &

or, follow your Ctrl-Z with bg to put it in the background.

Read man bash, the Job Control section in particular.