How to Run Python Script from Command Line Easily

To run a Python script from the command line, open your terminal or command prompt and type python script_name.py where script_name.py is your file. Press Enter, and the script will execute showing any output in the terminal.

Syntax

The basic syntax to run a Python script from the command line is:

• python: This calls the Python interpreter.
• script_name.py: This is the name of your Python file.

You can also use python3 if your system has both Python 2 and 3 installed.

bash

python script_name.py

Example

This example shows a simple Python script that prints a greeting. Running it from the command line will display the message.

python

print("Hello from Python script!")

Output

Hello from Python script!

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include:

• Not being in the correct folder where the script is saved.
• Using python when your system requires python3.
• File name typos or missing the .py extension.

Always check your current directory with pwd (Mac/Linux) or cd (Windows) and navigate to the script folder before running.

bash

Wrong: python myscript
Right: python myscript.py

Quick Reference

Tips to run Python scripts smoothly:

• Use python3 if python runs Python 2.
• Navigate to the script folder using cd before running.
• Make sure the script file ends with .py.
• Use python script.py arg1 arg2 to pass arguments.

Key Takeaways

Use python script_name.py in the terminal to run your Python script.

Make sure you are in the folder where the script is saved before running it.

Use python3 if your system defaults python to version 2.

Check your script file name and extension carefully to avoid errors.

You can pass arguments after the script name if your script accepts them.