Windows run python from command line

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Watch Now This tutorial has a related video course created by the Real Python team. Watch it together with the written tutorial to deepen your understanding: Running Python Scripts

One of the most important skills you need to build as a Python developer is to be able to run Python scripts and code. This is going to be the only way for you to know if your code works as you planned. It’s even the only way of knowing if your code works at all!

This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through a series of ways to run Python scripts, depending on your environment, platform, needs, and skills as a programmer.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to run Python scripts by using:

• The operating system command-line or terminal
• The Python interactive mode
• The IDE or text editor you like best
• The file manager of your system, by double-clicking on the icon of your script

This way, you’ll get the knowledge and skills you’ll need to make your development cycle more productive and flexible.

$ python3
Python 3.6.7 (default, Oct 22 2018, 11:32:17)
[GCC 8.2.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

>>> print('Hello World!')
Hello World!
>>> 2 + 5
7
>>> print('Welcome to Real Python!')
Welcome to Real Python!

 1#!/usr/bin/env python3
 2
 3print('Hello World!')

$ python3 hello.py
Hello World!

$ python3 hello.py > output.txt

$ python3 hello.py >> output.txt

$ python3 -m hello
Hello World!

C:devspace> hello.py
Hello World!

$ # Assign execution permissions
$ chmod +x hello.py
$ # Run the script by using its filename
$ ./hello.py
Hello World!

>>> import hello
Hello World!

>>> import hello  # Do nothing
>>> import hello  # Do nothing again

>>> import sys
>>> for path in sys.path:
...     print(path)
...
/usr/lib/python36.zip
/usr/lib/python3.6
/usr/lib/python3.6/lib-dynload
/usr/local/lib/python3.6/dist-packages
/usr/lib/python3/dist-packages

>>> import importlib
>>> importlib.import_module('hello')
Hello World!
<module 'hello' from '/home/username/hello.py'>

>>> import hello  # First import
Hello World!
>>> import hello  # Second import, which does nothing
>>> import importlib
>>> importlib.reload(hello)
Hello World!
<module 'hello' from '/home/username/hello.py'>

>>> importlib.reload('hello')
Traceback (most recent call last):
    ...
TypeError: reload() argument must be a module

>>> import hello  # First import
Hello World!
>>> import hello  # Second import, which does nothing
>>> import imp
>>> imp.reload(hello)
Hello World!
<module 'hello' from '/home/username/hello.py'>

>>> runpy.run_module(mod_name='hello')
Hello World!
{'__name__': 'hello',
    ...
'_': None}}

>>> import runpy
>>> runpy.run_path(path_name='hello.py')
Hello World!
{'__name__': '<run_path>',
    ...
'_': None}}

>>> exec(open('hello.py').read())
'Hello World!'

>>> execfile('hello.py')
Hello World!

Watch Now This tutorial has a related video course created by the Real Python team. Watch it together with the written tutorial to deepen your understanding: Running Python Scripts

It has taken me some effort looking for answers here, on the web, and and in the Python documentation, and testing on my own, to finally get my Python scripts working smoothly on my Windows machines (WinXP and Win7). So, I just blogged about it and am pasting that below in case it’s useful to others. Sorry it’s long, and feel free to improve it; I’m no expert.

[UPDATE: Python 3.3 now includes the Python Launcher for Windows, which allows you to type py (rather than python) to invoke the default interpreter, or py -2, py -3, py -2.7, etc. It also supports shebang lines, allowing the script itself to specify. For versions prior to 3.3, the launcher is available as a separate download.
http://docs.python.org/3/whatsnew/3.3.html
]

Running Python scripts conveniently under Windows

Maybe you’re creating your own Python scripts, or maybe someone has given you one for doing something with your data files. Say you’ve acquired a Python script and have saved it to «D:my scriptsApplyRE.py». You want to run it conveniently by either double-clicking it or typing it into the command line from any location, with the option of passing parameters to it like this (-o means «overwrite the output file if it already exists»):

ApplyRE infile.txt outfile.txt -o

Say you also have a data file, «C:some filessome lexicon.txt». The simplest option is to move the file or the script so they’re in the same location, but that can get messy, so let’s assume that they’ll stay separate.

Making sure Windows can find the Python interpreter

After installing Python, verify that typing python into a command prompt works (and then type exit() to get back out of the Python interpreter).

C:>python
Python 3.2 (r32:88445, Feb 20 2011, 21:29:02) [MSC v.1500 32 bit (Intel)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> exit()
C:>

If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to append something like «;C:Python32» (without quotes) to the PATH environment variable. See PATHEXT below for instructions.

Associating Python with .py and .pyc

Verify that double-clicking on ApplyRE.py runs it. (It should also have a Python logo as its icon and be labeled «Python File», by the way.) If this isn’t already done, right-click on a .py file, choose Open With, Choose Program, and check «Always use…» This association improves convenience but isn’t strictly necessary—you can specify «python» every time you want to run a script, like this:

D:my scripts>python ApplyRE.py lexicon-sample.txt -o
Running... Done.

Here’s a very specific variation, which is optional unless you need to specify a different version of the interpreter.

D:my scripts>c:python32python ApplyRE.py lexicon-sample.txt -o
Running... Done.

But that’s a pain. Fortunately, once Python is installed, in the PATH, and associated with .py, then double-clicking a .py file or directly typing it as a command should work fine. Here, we seem to be running the script directly—it’s nice and simple to run it on a sample file that’s located in the «my scripts» folder along with the script.

D:my scripts>ApplyRE.py lexicon-sample.txt -o
Running... Done.

Omitting the .py extension (editing PATHEXT)

To further reduce typing, you can tell Windows that .py (and perhaps .pyc files) are executable. To do this, right-click Computer and choose Properties, Advanced, Environment Variables, System Variables. Append «;.PY;.PYC» (without quotes) to the existing PATHEXT variable, or else create it if you’re certan it doesn’t exist yet. Close and reopen the command prompt. You should now be able to omit the .py (FYI, doing so would cause ApplyRE.exe or ApplyRE.bat to run instead, if one existed).

D:my scripts>ApplyRE lexicon-sample.txt -o
Running... Done.

Adding scripts to the system PATH

If you’re going to use your scripts often from the command prompt (it’s less important if doing so via using BAT files), then you’ll want to add your scripts’ folder to the system PATH. (Next to PATHEXT you should see a PATH variable; append «;D:my scripts» to it, without quotes.) This way you can run a script from some other location against the files in current location, like this:

C:some files>ApplyRE "some lexicon.txt" "some lexicon OUT.txt" -o
Running... Done.

Success! That’s pretty much all you need to do to streamline the command-line.

Running directly without tweaking the PATH

If you’re a fast typist or don’t mind creating a batch file for each situation, you can specify full paths (for the script, or for the parameters) instead of tweaking PATH.

C:some files>"d:my scriptsApplyRE.py" "some lexicon.txt" "some lexicon OUT.txt" -o
Running... Done.
C:some files>d:
D:>cd "my scripts"
D:my scripts>ApplyRE.py "c:some filessome lexicon.txt" "c:some filessome lexicon OUT.txt" -o
Running... Done.

Creating shortcuts or batch files

If .py is associated with an installed Python, you can just double-click ApplyRE.py to run it, but the console may appear and disappear too quickly to read its output (or failure!). And to pass parameters, you’d need to first do one of the following.
(a) Right-click and create a shortcut. Right-click the shortcut to edit properties and append parameters to Target.
(b) Create a batch file—a plain text file with a distinct name such as ApplyRErun.bat. This option is probably better because you can ask it to pause so you can see the output. Here is a sample BAT file’s contents, written to be located and run from c:some files .

python "d:my scriptsApplyRE.py" "some lexicon.txt" "some lexicon OUT.txt" -o
pause

Advanced: appending to PYTHONPATH

This usually isn’t necessary, but one other environment variable that may be relevant is PYTHONPATH. If we were to append d:my scripts to that variable, then other Python scripts in other locations could make use of those via import statements.

If you cannot run or execute a python script, there is no point in being a programmer. I mean, the ultimate goal of a developer is to write scripts that are executable and actionable. You see, whenever you run a python script, the IDE converts the syntax into instructions that the computer can understand and act on. Technically, this is doable in two ways.

1. Using the interactive python shell or
2. Calling the interpreter using a shebang line.

Under which environments can I run a python script?

Typically, python developers write stand-alone scripts that can only be executed under certain environments. These scripts are then saved with a “.py” extension so that the operating system can identify them as python files. Once the interpreter is invoked, it identifies the script, reads it and then interprets it accordingly. However, the way python scripts are executed on Linux is different from the way they are “Run” on Windows or Mac. Confusing? Well, if you are a greenhorn in the game of coding, the whole idea can become confounding. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we are going to iron things out by showing you the difference in these systems and also teach you how to run a python script on Windows, Mac, and UNIX platforms. Read on!

How to run a python script on command line

Python is one of the simplest and most executable programming languages used by greenhorns as they make baby steps into the world of coding. And though a variety of applications can be used to create and execute python scripts, it is a little-known fact that windows command line can run these same programs regardless of the development method or tool used to create them. Technically, a command line prompt can be effortlessly launched from your computer’s start menu. Under most windows versions, the menu selection process is: Start ‣ Programs ‣ Accessories ‣ Command Prompt. Another option is entering ‘cmd’ in the menu search box. After successfully launching the command, the following window should appear.

C :>

Depending on where your system files are stored, the letter that appears might be different. For instance, you might get something like:

D:YourNameProjectsPython>

Once this command prompt window has been launched, you will be on your way to running python scripts. However, for python scripts to be executable, they have to be processed by a python interpreter. The role of this interpreter is to read the script, compile it into bytecodes, execute the bytecodes and subsequently run the program.

But how do you navigate the interpreter on the command prompt so that it can process your script?

Well, first and foremost, ensure that your command prompt recognizes the word “python” as a command to launch the interpreter. If you already have a command prompt window open, key in the command python and press enter.

C:UsersYourName> python

If successfully done, you should get the following result depending on the version of python you are using.

Python 3.3.0 (v3.3.0:bd8afb90ebf2, Sep 29 2012, 10:55:48) [MSC v.1600 32 bit (Intel)] on win32

Type «help», «copyright», «credits» or «license» for more information.

>>>

This indicates that you have launched the interpreter in “interactive mode”. From now on, you can key in python commands, expressions, and scripts interactively and have them run as you wait. This interactive mode is one of Python’s most iconic feature. Most programmers use it as a convenient and highly programmable calculator. You can try it out by typing a few commands of your choice and see what happens.

>>> print(«Hello»)

Hello

>>> «Hello»*3

‘HelloHelloHello’

When it’s time to end your interactive session, press the “control” key, enter “z” and press “Enter” to return to your windows command prompt window.

If your computer has a start menu as Start ‣ Programs ‣ Python 3.3 ‣ Python (command line) which opens up a command prompt >>> on a new window, it will also disappear after pressing the Ctrl and Z buttons. The thing is, your system only runs one “python” command which stops all windows after ending your interactive session with the interpreter.

Possible errors and how to solve them

If the python command gives you the following error messages instead of launching the interpreter prompt >>>

‘python’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Bad command or filename

double check if your computer knows where to find the interpreter. To achieve this, you have to modify the list of directories (PATH) where windows gets programs before launching them. Go ahead and add python’s entire installation directory to the path of every command window. If you are not sure where you installed python, the following command will help you find out.

dir C:py*

The most typical location should look like C:Python33. If that’s not your case, you might have to search the entire disk. However, you can avoid it by using the search button. Type “python.exe” in the search box. If it is installed in the following directory, C:Python33 (which is normally the default setting at the time of installation) make sure that when you execute the following command

c:Python33python

It launches the interpreter as shown at the beginning of this guide. If the search results indicate that the installation directory is not part of the system path, add it so that it can be possible to launch the interpreter after running the python command. Once the directory is verified, launching the python interpreter should not be a problem again. Do not also forget that you will need to press the control and Z keys to terminate the session. Once you have verified that the

How to run a python script on Windows

1. First and foremost, create a folder where you are going to be storing your python scripts. It has to be saved in a format that windows can understand that it is a python file. For instance, you can have C:pythonscripts as your folder name. After the folder is ready, go ahead and save your script in it. For example, hello.py.
2. From the start menu, click “Run” the type cmd on the search box. This command is going to open the windows terminal.
3. If your python directory is not saved in a location that windows can find it, type cd pythonscripts to modify the PATH of your folder then press enter.
4. Type in the name of your python script and press enter to run your script. In my case, I am going to type hello.py because it is the name of my script.
5. If any of these steps fail to work, double check and ensure that your computer’s PATH contains the python directory so that windows can know where to get it from.

How to run a python script on Mac

1. Like on windows, create a dedicated folder where you will be storing your python programs. For instance, you can decide to call it pythonprograms. Be sure to store it under your home folder which contains your Music, movies pictures, and other documents. Save your python script in this folder and make sure it is saved in such a way that Mac understands that it a python file. For this tutorial, we are going to be saving our script as hello.py
2. After saving your script, launch the applications folder, open the utility folder and select the terminal program.
3. Key in the name of the folder that contains the python script and press enter. In our case, it is going to be cd pythonprograms. This command will change the directory of the folder so that the OS can locate and execute it.
4. Type in the name of the script to run it. For this tutorial, it is going to be python ./hello.py

NB: Most Mac computers come preinstalled with python 2 and 3. if this is the case, you should always use python3 hello.py.

How to run a python script on Linux

1. Create a dedicated folder which is going to store your python scripts and programs. The format should be in such a way that your Linux OS can identify the file as s python file. An ideal name for the folder can be cd ~/pythonpractice. After creating the folder, save your script in that folder. Ours will be named hello.py.
2. Launch the terminal program. Under KDE, click on the main menu then select “Run command”. This is going to open up the console. In GNOME launch the main menu and select the applications folder then open it up. Go ahead and open up the accessories folder and click on “terminal”.
3. Change the directory of the folder containing your scripts by typing in the following command cd ~/pythonpractice. This ensures that the Linux OS can find the script when executing it.
4. Unlike in other operating systems, you have to make it executable in Linux. This is achieved by executing the following command chmod a+x hello.py.
5. After making sure that it is executable, type in the name of the script to run. In our case, we are going to type python ./hello.py

NB: If version 2.61 and 3.0 are both installed in your computer, you should always run python3 hello.py.

How to run a python script on Linux (advanced)

1. Like in the previous scenarios, you still have to create a dedicated folder that is going to house your python script. The folder name should be in this format ~/pythonpractice.
2. Launch your text editor and create a new script called hello.py, it should contain only two lines of syntax. If you want, you can copy paste it.
   

   	#! /usr/bin/python
   	print('Hello, world!')
   	

3. Save this script in the ~/pythonpractice folder you previously created.
4. Launch the terminal program. Under KDE, click on the main menu then select “Run command”. This is going to open up the console. In GNOME launch the main menu and select the applications folder then open it up. Go ahead and open up the accessories folder and click on terminal.
5. Change the directory of the folder containing your scripts by typing in the following command cd ~/pythonpractice. This ensures that the Linux OS can find the script when executing it.
6. Unlike in other operating systems, you have to make it executable in Linux. This is achieved by executing the following command chmod a+x hello.py.
7. Key in ./hello.py to run your script.
8. Alternatively, you can key in this command ln -s hello.py /usr/bin/hello to create a link between /usr/bin and hello.py under hello then execute by using the command hello.

This advanced process should only be used to execute completely compiled programs. If you regularly use your script, it will be ideal if you can store it in your home directory and link it using /usr/bin. And if you want to play around with the commands, it will be fun to invoke mkdir ~/.local/bin then transfer your scripts to this location. To make these scripts executable in a similar manner that /usr/bin does, key in this command $PATH = $PATH:~/local/bin

NB: file extensions are not necessary under UNIX file systems. In Linux, hello.py simply means what Hello.mp3 or hello means. Normally, the Linux OS uses the contents of a file to determine what type it is, unlike in windows and Mac where you have to specify file type by adding an extension.

How to run a python script in python shell

The python shell not only interprets commands line by line and executes them instantly, but also gives you the autonomy to run them over and over again whenever you wish to. It gives you the freedom to save your entire script in a python format, then run it on the python shell. But how?

STEP-1

Launch the IDLE editor. It should be available under the All Programs section in windows. After double-clicking on it, a python shell should appear as shown in the picture below.

STEP-2:

Select the file menu then click on “New file”

Simultaneously pressing the CTRL and N keys will also open an untitled and empty document editor as illustrated below. (Shortcut)

STEP-3

Write or paste your program on this editor window. If you have already saved yours, please jump to step 5.

STEP-4

After you’re done with your script or program, click on the file menu then select save. Make sure that the script is saved in a location that you can remember. You should get something like this after saving. The top section should show you where the document has been saved.

STEP-5

Launch a command window then navigate to the location where you have stored your file. In my case, I am going to type the following command.

cd c:PythonSnippets

(Or)

I also have the alternative of using windows explorer to get my script. Press the shift button and right click to launch the open command window. You can then go ahead and open the folder containing the script.

STEP-6

On the command window/prompt that appears on your computer screen, key in the following command and press enter. This will depend on the way you have saved your script. In my case, I will have,

python AddTwoNumbers.py

Calling out the name of your script should execute your python script.

An alternative

Instead of following the whole process from the first to the last step, everything can be completed in step 3. On this Step, the script can be directly saved by pressing F5 on the editor, then it will run the program itself.

When using the live interpreter to run a python script, it is important to understand that understand that every command is read and integrated in real time. For instance, calculations will be solved immediately while loops will iterate immediately unless they are part of a function. For this reason, you have to be mentally prepared to use it. The python shell is popular with people who like executing their code interactively. However, if you want to use it to run your scripts, you have to call the Python executable or import it.

Introduction

Programming has an indispensable role in our world. You would not be reading this blog without it. Behind your favorite website, like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, there is some sort of programming at work. A bit more obvious, and just in case you didn’t know: Your cellphone has been coded.

Everything you do with your cell phone, even an old-fashioned one, responds to a series of codes written by very proficient programmers. 

Computers do not understand languages like English or Hindi. They have their own language called Machine Code, which tells them what to do, but it doesn’t make much sense to humans!

So innovative humans created an easier way of communicating with computers known as “Programming Languages.”

There are around 700 programming languages like C, C++, Java, C#, Python, PHP, Ada, etc., and studying programming fundamentals can set you apart from your equivalents, giving you a competitive edge in this technology-driven world.

Now, Suppose you plan to explore Python Programming but don’t know how to execute python code. In that case, it’s of no use, so the primary skill which you need to develop as a Python programmer is running Python scripts or code. It will be the only way of knowing if your code works as intended or not. 

Hence, this article will explain numerous ways of executing a python code depending on the platform, environment, requirements, and expertise. 

Above, you must have encountered two terms, code and scripts. Therefore, you need to know the primary differences between code and scripts before proceeding into other details.

Code Vs. Scripts

Coding Is a Genre; Scripting Is a Subgenre. It means coding is a bigger picture and includes more than just scripting. It seems confusing, right!! But the difference between them is a long debate that’s relatively hard to answer.

In simple terms, you can remember that:

• A code needs to be compiled, whereas a script is not compiled but interpreted.
• A code file has extensions like ‘.cpp’, ‘.java’. Whereas the file containing the script has the extension ‘.py’ , ‘.php’, ‘.js’.
• Few programming languages are C, C++, Java; on the other hand, scripting languages are Python, PHP, Javascript, and many more.

To know in-depth the variations between coding and scripting languages, you can read the Outlining The Difference Between Programming & Scripting language.

We can conclude that all scripting languages are considered programming languages, but vice-versa is not correct, and scripting languages like Python run on an interpreter.

You must be questioning, What is an Interpreter?

The Interpreter refers to system software that can read and execute the program or interpret programs. This interpretation includes the source code of the high-level language, precompiled programs and scripts. 

It should be noted that the Interpreter interprets the program line by line, i.e. translates an instruction in one go. This feature makes it easy for programmers to check a specific line while debugging, but it slows the overall execution time of the entire program.

It also does not generate any intermediate object code, which makes it more memory intensive.

However, if you can’t run Python scripts, there is no point in understanding all of this. Now let us continue to explore the method of running Python scripts.

Different Methods to Run Python Scripts:

There are the following four methods to run python scripts:

• Using Command-Line prompt or terminal.
• Using an IDE or Text Editor
• Python Interactive Mode
• Using File Manager

RUN PYTHON SCRIPT USING COMMAND LINE

The easiest way to run Python scripts is to use the command prompt. 

TO OPEN THE COMMAND PROMPT:

• On Windows, the command line is called the command prompt or MS-DOS console. A faster way to access it is to go to “Start” → “Run” and type cmd.
• On GNU/Linux, Multiple applications can access the command line such as xterm, Gnome terminal or console. 
• In MAC OS X, call the system terminal through Application → Utilities → Terminal.

After successfully opening the command prompt, type the word cd followed by the path to your script file or python file and press Enter. 

Then write filename.py now press Enter again, and You are Done!! The screen will display the output.

Here’s an example of how to do this on Windows:

RUN PYTHON SCRIPTS USING AN IDE OR TEXT EDITOR

While developing more significant and complex applications, it’s suggested that you should use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or a text editor.

IDE:

An IDE (or Integrated Development Environment) is a program committed to programming improvement. As the name infers, IDEs compose a few tools explicitly intended for software development. 

These tools usually include an editor, run, build, execution, debugging and many more.

Python’s standard distribution includes IDLE as the default IDE to write, debug, modify, and run your code and scripts. Other IDEs such as Eclipse-PyDev, PyCharm, Eric, etc., also allow you to run Python scripts inside the environment.

If you want to run a Python script from your IDE:

• Launch PYTHON IDLE from the START MENU
• Create a new file and write your required script.
• Now save it (you can use  CTRL+S ) with the .py extension.

The .py extension is used on all of these files to indicate Python executable files. In Windows, pyw is another extension for Python files.

• Finally, Run it; 

You can use the default “Run” command or fast keys like Function + F5 or just F5 to run Python scripts.

• Bingo! Now you can see the output on your screen.

Here’s an example of running Python script on Python IDLE:

Text Editors:

The formal definition is: “A text editor is a program that edits text files”. 

Basically, a text editor is a program on your computer that allows you to create and edit files in various programming languages. 

It manages hand codes in various languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, etc. In addition, there are many text editors you can choose from, like Sublime Text Editor, Notepad++, TextWrangler(Mac Only), gedit, etc.

If you are starting with Python, you can use simple text editors like Sublime or Notepad++ or any other text editor.

You must now write a sample script. To do this:

• Launch your preferred text editor and write your script.
• Save the file to your desktop under the name samplefile.py or whatever you want.
• Remember that you only need to provide the .py extension.
• Click build in the toolbar.
• Subsequently, the screen will display the required output according to your script.

RUN PYTHON SCRIPT USING INTERACTIVE MODE

An Interactive mode is a great way to get started with Python since it allows you to test each piece of code while you’re working on it.

• All you have to do now is start the Python Interactive session. 
• To do so, open a terminal or command line and type Python or Python3 depending on the Python version installed on your machine, then press Enter. 
• The >>> represents the standard Interactive mode prompt on the terminal.

Note: If you don’t see these characters, your system has to be reinstalled with Python.

Below is an example of running a python script in an interactive mode:

When working with an interactive session, the statements you type are evaluated and performed immediately, though the main drawback is that the code is lost when the interactive session ends.

But, the advantage is you don’t have to wait until your code is finished to test it. Instead, you can try it out on the spot.  

So, whenever you’re working with Python and aren’t sure what a specific block of code does, just open the interactive session, paste the code, and watch what happens. 

Once you’ve completed all of your testings, you can quit interactive mode by selecting one of the following alternatives:

• Exit() or quit() are built-in functions.
• For Windows, use the Ctrl+Z and Enter combination.
• Use Ctrl+D on Unix-like platforms.

RUN PYTHON SCRIPT USING FILE MANAGER

A Python script can also be started by double-clicking on its icon in the file manager.

In order to do so, you must satisfy specific requirements, which varies based on the operating system you’re using.

• Pythonw.exe and Python.exe are related to the extensions .pyw and .py, respectively, on Windows. This facilitates the scripts to be run by just double-clicking the icon.
• If the script has a command-line interface, a black window will appear on the screen for a second.

To prevent this, add input(‘Press Enter at Continue…’) to the script’s end, and as soon as you press Enter, the software will be terminated. 

There are certain disadvantages to this strategy.  Assume your script has a bug. Even before it reaches the statement mentioned above, the execution will be halted. 

As a result, you will be unable to view the results.

• You need to set execution rights in the script if you are working on Unix-like systems and then run the scripts by simply double-clicking the icon in the file manager. 

Note: This method should only be used for scripts that have already been debugged and are ready to go into production because double-clicking the scripts have restrictions and rely on various things such as the file manager, operating system, file association, execution rights, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Working with scripts offers its own set of benefits, including ease of learning and usage, speed of editing and execution, interactivity, and functionality. They’re also utilised to simplify complicated tasks by automating them.

Here, you gained the knowledge and skills about how to run Python in terminal using the following methods:

• The command-line prompt
• Your preferred integrated development environment (IDE) or text editor.
• Using Interactive Mode
• Using File Manager

After learning these fundamental ways, I would suggest you explore Coding Ninjas Python Course once because this provides you more ease at working in larger and more advanced Python environments, which will improve the development process and boost your efficiency.

By Aanchal Tiwari

One of the famous and trending languages nowadays is Python. One of the key skills required by a python developer is to run python scripts and codes. You’ll only be able to see if your code works as expected if you do it this way. It’s even the sole way to determine whether or not your code works at all!. To checkout how to run python script on windows follow this tutorial.

This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to run python script on windows and how to configure settings. This includes setting up the environment, platform and needs.

In this tutorial you will learn how to run python using:

• Interactive mode of Python
• Command Line Interface or Terminal
• IDE or text editor of your choice
• The file Manager by double-clicking on the python script.

Modules vs Scripts:

A script is a computer program consisting of instructions in a sequence and program. Another program executes or interprets the script.

Scripts are processed by interpreters which execute each command separately.The user users commonly call a plain text file containing Python code a script that is an informal term that indicates a top-level software file. 

Whereas, Python module is a program or code in a text file, which contains an implementation of specific functionality. This Code is used by other programs and is called a module.

So, the main difference between modules and scripts is that scripts are directly executed. Whereas, modules are imported into other programs.

Now, we will learn how to run python programs.

How to run python scripts interactively:

To run python script from windows terminal you first needs to run Windows Terminal. Go to Windows and type Command Prompt or simply use Win+X. Remember to use “Run as Administrator” option to prevent restrictions. To run python script from a .py file type the following command. If you do not know how to install python into windows, first go through the tutorial “How to Install Python on Windows” on our website.

Python example.py

Where “example.py” is a sample python script.

To type python script into terminal type Python3 and you will enter into command screen.

The >>> symbol on the terminal represents the standard interactive mode input mode. This means that user can enter the command here.

The statements you enter here executes and gives output on next line. Simply type the command and click Enter to view the output.

The above image shows the code immediately gives output after executing the code. The only disadvantage of this approach is that when you close the interactive screen, the code no longer exists.

You can leave the python interactive mode by typing exit() command or by pressing CTRL+Z key.

Running Python Script using interpreter:

Let’s say we have a python script in a sample.py file and need to run it from the command prompt. To do this, simply run the command prompt. Simply type “python sample.py” where sample.py is the name of the python script to execute. This command will execute the instructions in the sample.py file. Likewise, in this code, the instruction Hello World is displayed.

You can also output the code into some text file. To do this type python sample.py >output.txt.

The execution of python script is using Python Execution Model (PEM). It performs multiple steps to run python script.

• Statements in scrips are executed step by step in a sequential manner by the interpreter.
• The code is converted into bytecode which is compiled into the form of the instruction set. Bytecode is the set of instructions written in a low-level language. The high-level language is first converted into a low-level language. As computers only understand low-level instructions so they are first converted into them.
• The interpreter finally executes the code. The Python Virtual Machine (PVM) is the final phase in the Python interpreter’s development. It is a component of the Python environment that you have installed on your computer. The PVM loads the bytecode into the Python runtime and reads and executes each action as specified. It’s the part that really executes your scripts.

Running Python script using IDE:

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is application software that provides the necessary tools and environment to execute a script. In Python, we have a number of IDE such as Spyder, Jupyter, Pycharm, and PyDEV.

Python IDLE is a python debugger, the compiler is a standard python compiler to run, modify and debug python modules and scripts. Moreover, standard text editors such as Sublime Text (ST), Visual Studio (VS) Code can also be linked with python to execute the code.

Running Python script from a File Manager:

You can run your python script from the file manager by double-clicking on the python script. This will mostly be done in the production stage. It is used after releasing the source code.

In windows to run a script by double-clicking you need to have your script in .py extension for python.exe and .pyw for pythow.exe. If you are using a command prompt and facing the issue of a black screen. For this, you need to and add Input(“Enter”) in the script file. This will exit the program only when you click the “Enter” button.

Congratulations, you have learned a number of techniques to run python script in Windows using:

• Interactive mode of Python
• Command Line Interface or Terminal
• IDE or text editor of your choice
• The file Manager by double-clicking on the python script.