Running a Python Script

From the Command Line

This is the most common method to run a Python script.

1.     Open your terminal or command prompt.

2.     Navigate to the directory where your Python script is saved. You can use the cd command to change directories.

Bash

cd path/to/your/script

3.     Run the script using the python command followed by the script's filename:

Bash

python your_script.py

Replace your_script.py with the actual name of your script.

Example:

Bash

cd scripts

python my_program.py

Using an IDE

Most Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and Spyder provide a convenient way to run Python scripts directly from the IDE.

1.     Open your script in the IDE.

2.     Look for a "Run" button or a similar option in the toolbar or menu.

3.     Click the "Run" button to execute the script.

Making the Script Executable (Linux/macOS)

For more direct execution, especially on Linux and macOS, you can make the script executable:

1.     Add a shebang line at the beginning of your script:

Python

#!/usr/bin/env python3

Replace python3 with the correct Python interpreter path if needed.

2.     Make the script executable:

Bash

chmod +x your_script.py

3.     Run the script directly:

Bash

./your_script.py

Additional Tips

• Arguments: You can pass arguments to your script when running it from the command line:

Bash

python your_script.py argument1 argument2

• Redirecting output: Redirect the script's output to a file using >:

Bash

python your_script.py > output.txt

• Error handling: Implement error handling mechanisms using try-except blocks.