How To Run Python File In Terminal

Robin Robert

3 min read

·

07-02-2025

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Running a Python file from your terminal is a fundamental skill for any Python programmer. This guide will walk you through the process, covering various scenarios and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a seasoned developer, you'll find this guide helpful.

Prerequisites: Setting Up Your Environment

Before you can run a Python file, ensure you have the following:

• Python Installed: You need to have Python installed on your system. You can check this by opening your terminal and typing python --version or python3 --version. If Python is installed, it will display the version number. If not, you'll need to download and install it from the official Python website.

• A Python File: This is the file containing your Python code (usually with a .py extension). Make sure you've saved your code and know the file's location.

Running Your Python File: Step-by-Step

Here's how to execute your Python script:

1. Open Your Terminal: This is usually done by searching for "Terminal" (macOS/Linux) or "Command Prompt" (Windows) in your applications.

2. Navigate to the File's Directory: Use the cd command (change directory) to navigate to the folder where your Python file is located. For example:

   cd /path/to/your/python/file
   

   Replace /path/to/your/python/file with the actual path to your file. You can use the pwd command (print working directory) to check your current location.

3. Execute the Script: Once you're in the correct directory, use the following command to run your script:

   python your_file_name.py
   

   Replace your_file_name.py with the actual name of your Python file. If you're using Python 3 specifically, use python3 your_file_name.py.

Example:

Let's say your file is named my_script.py and located in the /Users/username/Documents/PythonProjects directory. The commands would be:

cd /Users/username/Documents/PythonProjects
python my_script.py

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• python command not found: This means Python isn't correctly installed or isn't in your system's PATH environment variable. You might need to reinstall Python or add it to your PATH.

• File Not Found Error: Double-check the file name and the directory you're in. Make sure you've typed the file name and path correctly. Use ls (Linux/macOS) or dir (Windows) to list files in the current directory.

• Syntax Errors: Python will report syntax errors if there are issues with your code's structure. Carefully review your code for typos, missing colons, incorrect indentation, and other syntax problems. The error message will usually point you to the line causing the problem.

• Runtime Errors: These errors occur during the execution of your program. They can be caused by various issues such as incorrect variable usage, file I/O problems, or attempts to access invalid memory locations. Carefully examine your code logic and handle potential errors using try-except blocks.

Running Python Scripts with Arguments

You can pass arguments to your Python script from the terminal. Inside your Python script, you can access these arguments using the sys.argv list.

import sys

if __name__ == "__main__":
    print(f"The script name is: {sys.argv[0]}")
    if len(sys.argv) > 1:
      print(f"The arguments passed are: {sys.argv[1:]}")

Save this as, for example, arg_example.py. Then, you can run it with arguments like this:

python arg_example.py hello world

This will print:

The script name is: arg_example.py
The arguments passed are: ['hello', 'world']

Conclusion

Running Python files from the terminal is a core aspect of Python development. By following these steps and understanding common troubleshooting techniques, you'll be able to efficiently execute your Python programs and effectively utilize the command line interface. Remember to always check your code for errors and adapt these instructions to your specific operating system and Python version.