Running Python Programs

Now that you have set up your Python environment, it’s time to start running Python programs. Running a Python program is a straightforward process that involves executing your code and seeing the output. In this section, we will explore different methods to run Python programs.

Using the Python Interactive Shell

One of the easiest ways to run Python programs is by using the Python Interactive Shell. This is a command-line interface where you can enter and run Python code interactively.

To open the Python Interactive Shell, open your terminal or command prompt and type ‘python’ followed by the ‘Enter’ key. This will launch the Python interpreter and you will see a prompt like ‘>>>’ indicating that you can start entering Python code.

Let’s try running a simple program. Type the following code in the Python shell:

print("Hello, World!")

Press the ‘Enter’ key after typing the code, and you will see the output:

Hello, World!

Using the Python Interactive Shell is useful for quickly testing and experimenting with small snippets of code. However, this method is not suitable for writing and running larger programs as it doesn’t support saving your code for future use.

Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

If you’re planning to write and run more complex Python programs, using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is highly recommended. An IDE provides advanced features and tools that make it easier to write, debug, and run Python programs.

There are several popular Python IDEs available, such as PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and Anaconda. These IDEs offer features like code auto-completion, debugging tools, and project management capabilities, making them ideal for developers working on large-scale projects.

To run a Python program using an IDE, simply write your code in a new file with a .py extension, save it, and click the ‘Run’ or ‘Execute’ button within the IDE. The program’s output will be displayed in the integrated console or output window.

Using a Text Editor and the Terminal

If you prefer a simpler setup without an IDE, you can write your Python code in a plain text editor and run it using the terminal or command prompt.

First, open your text editor and create a new file. Save it with a .py extension. In the file, you can write your Python code, such as:

print("Hello, Python!")

Save the file and navigate to the directory where you saved it. Open the terminal or command prompt in that directory and type ‘python’ followed by the name of your Python file, then press ‘Enter’.

python my_program.py

The program will run, and you will see the output:

Hello, Python!

Using a text editor and the terminal is a lightweight setup that works well for simple Python programs. It allows you to focus on writing code without the distractions of a full-fledged IDE.

Conclusion

Running Python programs can be done using various methods, depending on your needs and preferences. The Python Interactive Shell is great for quick experimentation, while an IDE offers a more feature-rich development environment. Alternatively, a text editor and the terminal provide a straightforward setup for running simple programs.

Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to start running your Python programs and gaining hands-on experience. Practice is key to mastering the language and building your programming skills!