How to run Python script?

Running Python Scripts

Running a Python script is a straightforward process that allows you to execute your Python code and see the results. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, understanding how to run Python scripts is a fundamental skill. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to run Python scripts on a Linux operating system.

Step 1: Install Python

Before you can run a Python script, you'll need to have Python installed on your system. Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed, but you can check by opening a terminal and typing the following command:

python --version

If Python is installed, this command will display the version number. If not, you'll need to install it. You can do this using your Linux distribution's package manager, such as apt-get for Ubuntu or yum for CentOS.

For example, to install Python 3 on Ubuntu, you can use the following command:

sudo apt-get install python3

Step 2: Create a Python Script

To run a Python script, you'll first need to create one. Open a text editor and create a new file with a .py extension, such as my_script.py. Inside the file, you can write your Python code. For example:

print("Hello, World!")

Save the file.

Step 3: Run the Python Script

There are a few ways to run a Python script from the command line:

1. Using the python command:

   • Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where your Python script is located.
   • Run the script using the python command followed by the script's filename:

     python my_script.py

   • This will execute the Python code in the my_script.py file and display the output.

2. Using the shebang line:

   • At the beginning of your Python script, add a shebang line that specifies the path to the Python interpreter:

     #!/usr/bin/env python3
     print("Hello, World!")

   • Make the script executable with the chmod command:

     chmod +x my_script.py

   • Run the script directly, without the python command:

     ./my_script.py

3. Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE):

   • Many IDEs, such as PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or Spyder, have built-in support for running Python scripts. You can usually run the script by clicking a "Run" button or using a keyboard shortcut.

Regardless of the method you choose, the output of your Python script will be displayed in the terminal.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while running your Python script, here are a few things to check:

• Make sure you're running the correct version of Python (Python 2 or Python 3).
• Check the file path and ensure the script is located in the correct directory.
• Verify that the script has the correct permissions to be executed.
• Look for any syntax errors or logical errors in your Python code.

By following these steps, you'll be able to run your Python scripts effectively and start exploring the world of Python programming.