Running Python File in Terminal: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Run Your Python Scripts and Code

A Python script or program is a file containing executable Python code. Running Python scripts and code is essential for Python developers. It allows you to test and debug your code, ensuring that it works as intended. In this tutorial, we will explore different techniques for running Python scripts and code in various environments.

Table of Contents

• What Scripts and Modules Are
• How to Run Python Scripts From the Command Line
  • Using the python Command
  • Using the Script’s Filename Directly
  • Running Modules with the -m Option
• How to Run Python Code Interactively
  • Getting to Know the Python Interpreter
  • Running Python Code Interactively
• How to Run Scripts From Python Code
  • Taking Advantage of import Statements
  • Using the importlib Standard-Library Module
  • Leveraging the Power of the Built-in exec() Function
• How to Run Python Scripts on IDEs and Code Editors
• How to Run Python Scripts From a File Manager
• Conclusion

What Scripts and Modules Are

In computing, a script refers to a text file containing a logical sequence of instructions. These instructions are written in a scripting language, which is a programming language designed for task manipulation, customization, and automation. Python scripts are typically interpreted at runtime, meaning they are executed directly by an interpreter.

How to Run Python Scripts From the Command Line

The command line or terminal is a powerful tool for running Python scripts. You have a few options for executing scripts from the command line:

• Using the python Command: The simplest way to run a script is by typing python followed by the script’s filename. For example, if your script is named script.py, you would run it by typing python script.py in the command line.

• Using the Script’s Filename Directly: On Unix-like systems, you can make a script executable by using a shebang line at the beginning of the file. This allows you to run the script directly without explicitly invoking the python command. To make a script executable, you need to set the file’s permissions to allow execution.

• Running Modules with the -m Option: You can also run Python modules directly from the command line using the -m option. This is useful when you have a module with an if __name__ == "__main__" block and you want to execute the module as a standalone script. To run a module, you would type python -m module_name in the command line.

How to Run Python Code Interactively

Python provides an interactive mode where you can execute code and see the results immediately. To access the interactive mode, you need to use the Python interpreter. Here’s how to use it:

• Getting to Know the Python Interpreter: The Python interpreter allows you to execute code line by line, making it a great tool for experimenting with Python. To start the Python interpreter, open your command line and type python.

• Running Python Code Interactively: Once you’re in the Python interpreter, you can type Python code directly and see the output immediately. This is useful for testing small snippets of code or exploring specific Python features.

How to Run Scripts from Python Code

Python code can also execute other Python scripts programmatically. This can be done using the import statement, the importlib standard-library module, or the built-in exec() function. Here’s how it works:

• Taking Advantage of import Statements: The import statement allows you to load and run code from other Python scripts. You can import scripts as modules and use their functions, classes, and variables within your own code.

• Using the importlib Standard-Library Module: The importlib module provides more flexibility and control over importing and running Python scripts. It allows you to dynamically import and execute scripts at runtime.

• Leveraging the Power of the Built-in exec() Function: The exec() function allows you to execute Python code dynamically. You can pass Python code as a string to the exec() function and it will be executed as if it were written in a script file.

How to Run Python Scripts on IDEs and Code Editors

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors provide a user-friendly interface for running Python scripts. They often have built-in features that allow you to execute scripts with the click of a button. Most IDEs and code editors support running Python scripts directly from the application’s interface.

How to Run Python Scripts From a File Manager

On some operating systems, you can run Python scripts directly from the file manager or file explorer. This can be done by associating the .py file extension with the Python interpreter. Once the association is set up, you can double-click on a Python script to execute it.

Conclusion

Running Python scripts and code is an essential skill for Python developers. By being able to execute your code, you can test and debug it to ensure that it works as intended. This tutorial explored various techniques for running Python scripts and code in different environments, including the command line, interactive mode, IDEs and code editors, as well as file managers. By understanding these techniques, you will be able to run your Python scripts and code efficiently and effectively.