Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Abhishek Sharma
Python, with its simple syntax, versatility, and vast ecosystem of libraries, has become one of the most popular programming languages for a wide range of applications, from web development and data analysis to artificial intelligence and automation. However, for newcomers to Python, getting started with running Python programs may seem daunting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of running Python programs, whether you’re using a text editor, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), or the command line. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to execute Python code and unleash the power of Python in your projects.
Now let’s dive into the various methods for running Python programs.
How to Run Python Program in Interactive Mode?
Interactive mode is a useful way to run Python programs when you want to test small pieces of code or experiment with different functions. To run a Python program in interactive mode, you need to follow these steps:
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Step 1: Open your terminal or command prompt.
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Step 2: Type python and press Enter to enter the Python interpreter.
You can see the >>> symbol in the cmd. This shows that you are in the interactive mode of Python.
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Step 3: Type your Python code directly in the interpreter and press Enter to execute each line. For example,
As you can see that we get the output of the statement as soon as we press enter.
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Step 4: To exit the interpreter, type exit() and press Enter.
Here by typing the exit() statement, we come out of the Python interpreter.
How to Run Python Program using Python Command Line?
Using the Python command line is a simple and efficient way to run Python programs. To run a Python program using the Python command line, you need to follow these steps:
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Step 1: First write your Python program in “Notepad” and save it with the program.py name.
Note: Python programs are always saved with a .py extension.
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Step 2: Open your terminal or command prompt and Navigate to the directory where your Python file is located using the cd command.
Now we are in the directory where our program.py file is saved.
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Step 3: Now type py program.py in the command prompt to run the python program and press enter.
As soon as we press enter, the file gets executed and we can see the output of the program on the screen.
How to Run Python Program on Text Editor?
Text editors are simple software applications that allow you to create and edit text files. The most popular Text Editor is Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code. Follow these steps to run your Python program on the VS Code.
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Step 1: Open VS Code and install the Python extension from the extensions section.
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Step 2: Create a new file with the extension .py and save it.
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Step 3: Now type your Python program in the file.
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Step 4: To run this file, double-click on Run Python File in Terminal.
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Step 5: The output of the Python program will be visible in the Terminal present in the VS Code.
How to Run Python Program on IDLE?
IDLE is an Integrated Development and Learning Environment that comes bundled with Python. IDLE provides a comprehensive development environment for writing, debugging, and testing code. To run a Python program on IDLE, you need to follow these steps:
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Step 1: First open the Python IDLE. The shell is the default mode of operation of IDLE, so you will see this window on your screen.
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Step 2: We can run the Python scripts in this IDLE and can get output on the screen itself as shown in the image given below.
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Step 3: Now for running a complete Python program on IDLE, we need to open a new file by clicking on File → New File.
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Step 4: Now code your Python program in the “New File” that opens after the last step.
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Step 5: Save your file. Here we have save it by the name file.py.
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Step 6: To run click on RUN → Run Module.
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Step 7: The output will be shown in the IDLE Shell.
How to Run Python Program on IDE (PyCharm)?
PyCharm is a popular IDE for Python that provides a comprehensive development environment for writing, debugging, and testing code. To run a Python program on PyCharm, you need to follow these steps:
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Step 1: Open PyCharm, create a new project and create a new Python File by: New→ Python File.
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Step 2: Specify the name of the Python file.
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Step 3: Code your Python program in the window.
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Step 4: To run your program, right-click on the window and then press Run ‘main’.
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Step 5: The output will be there in the terminal as shown in the image below.
Conclusion
In conclusion, running Python programs is a fundamental skill for anyone learning or working with Python. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the basics of Python or an experienced developer building complex applications, understanding how to execute Python code is essential. By following the methods outlined in this guide, including using text editors, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), or the command line, you can easily run Python programs and unlock the full potential of Python for your projects. With practice and experimentation, you’ll become more proficient in running Python code and harnessing its capabilities to tackle a wide range of tasks and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) related to How to Run Python Program
Here are some frequently asked questions related to – how to run Python programs.
1. What do I need to run Python programs on my computer?
To run Python programs, you need to have Python installed on your computer. You can download and install Python from the official Python website (python.org) for your operating system.
2. How do I run a Python program using a text editor?
To run a Python program using a text editor, first, create or open a Python file with the ".py" extension. Then, type or paste your Python code into the file. Save the file and open a command prompt or terminal. Navigate to the directory containing the Python file and use the command "python filename.py" to run the program.
3. What is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and how does it help in running Python programs?
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive tools and features for software development, including code editing, debugging, and running programs. IDEs such as PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and IDLE offer built-in support for running Python programs, making it easier to write, test, and debug code within a single environment.
4. Can I run Python programs interactively in a Python shell?
Yes, you can run Python programs interactively in a Python shell, also known as a Python interpreter or REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop). Simply open a command prompt or terminal and type "python" to launch the Python shell. Then, you can enter Python code directly into the shell and execute it line by line.
5. What are virtual environments, and should I use them when running Python programs?
Virtual environments are isolated environments that contain specific Python installations and packages for individual projects, allowing you to manage dependencies and avoid conflicts between projects. While not strictly necessary for running Python programs, virtual environments are recommended for managing dependencies and ensuring project reproducibility, especially in complex or collaborative projects.