limits.py

#!/usr/bin/env python3

import logging
import logging.handlers
import sys
import tempfile

logger = logging.getLogger()
handler = logging.handlers.SysLogHandler(address=('/dev/log'))
logger.addHandler(handler)

l = list()
for i in range(50000):
    try:
        l.append(tempfile.TemporaryFile())
    except OSError:
        del(l) # free up file handles.
        msg = str(i) + " files could be opened."
        print(msg)
        logger.info(msg)
        logger.critical(msg)

        sys.exit()
    print(u'\r', end="")