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Running Python Scripts in the Terminal: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Running Python Scripts in the Terminal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Python is a versatile and widely used programming language that appeals to beginners and professionals alike. Its ease of learning and vast libraries make it a go-to tool for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. However, to effectively utilize Python, it’s essential to understand how to run Python scripts in the terminal. This guide will walk you through the steps to execute your Python scripts from the command line, offering a foundational skill that boosts your productivity and efficiency as a coder.

Prerequisites

Before diving into running Python scripts in the terminal, ensure you have the following:

  • Python installed: Make sure Python is installed on your system. You can check by opening the terminal and typing python --version or python3 --version. If you don’t have Python, download and install it from the official Python website.
  • Text editor: While not strictly necessary, a text editor like VS Code, Sublime Text, or Atom will make writing and editing your Python scripts easier.
  • Basic command line knowledge: Familiarity with navigating directories and running commands in the terminal or command prompt is beneficial.

Step 1: Create Your Python Script

Begin by creating a simple Python script to run. Open your text editor, write the following code, and save it as hello_world.py in your desired directory:

print(Hello, World!)

Step 2: Navigate to Your Script’s Directory

Open your terminal or command prompt. Use the cd (change directory) command to navigate to the directory where you saved your Python script. For example, if you saved your script on the desktop, you would use:

cd Desktop

Step 3: Run Your Python Script

Now that you are in the correct directory, you can run the script by typing:

python hello_world.py

Or if your system defaults to Python 3, you might need to use:

python3 hello_world.py

After executing the command, you should see Hello, World! printed in the terminal. Congratulations, you’ve successfully run a Python script from the terminal!

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • If you encounter an error stating that Python is not recognized, ensure that Python is correctly installed and that the Python executable is added to your system’s PATH.
  • To stop a running script, press Ctrl+C.
  • Use the ls command (or dir on Windows) to list the files in your current directory if you’re unsure of your script’s location.

Useful Links for Further Learning:

Conclusion

Learning how to run Python scripts from the terminal is a fundamental skill that opens up the world of Python programming. Whether you’re automating tasks, analyzing data, or developing web applications, the ability to execute Python scripts efficiently can significantly improve your workflow. By following this guide, you’ve taken a crucial step towards mastering Python development.

For different use cases, such as web development, consider using a virtual environment to manage dependencies. Data scientists might leverage Jupyter Notebooks for interactive data analysis and visualization. Meanwhile, automation tasks can be developed and tested directly from the terminal, using scripts like the one shown in this guide.

FAQ

How do I check if Python is installed on my machine?
You can check if Python is installed by opening your terminal and typing python --version or python3 --version.
Can I run Python scripts in Windows Command Prompt?
Yes, you can run Python scripts in the Windows Command Prompt using the same commands shown in this guide.
What if I receive an error saying Python is not recognized?
If you receive an error that Python is not recognized, ensure that Python is installed and that the Python executable is added to your system’s PATH.
How do I stop a Python script midway through execution?
You can stop a Python script midway through execution by pressing Ctrl+C.
Can I run Python scripts from any directory?
Yes, you can run Python scripts from any directory as long as you navigate to the script’s directory in the terminal or specify the full path to the script.

We hope this guide has helped demystify the process of running Python scripts in the terminal. If you have further questions, corrections, or want to share your experiences, please feel free to leave a comment or reach out. Happy coding!