If you are a Python developer or just getting started with Python programming, knowing how to run Python files from the Windows Command Prompt can be very useful. By following a few simple steps, you can execute your Python scripts quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Navigate to the Python File Directory
Before running your Python file, you need to navigate to the directory where the file is located. Open the Command Prompt by searching for ‘cmd’ in the Windows search bar.
Use the ‘cd’ command followed by the path to your Python file directory to change the directory. For example, if your file is located in ‘C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents’, you would type:
cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents
Step 2: Run the Python File
Once you are in the correct directory, you can run your Python file by typing ‘python’ followed by the name of your file. For example, if your file is ‘script.py’, you would type:
python script.py
Press ‘Enter’ to execute the command, and your Python script will run. You will see the output in the Command Prompt window.
Additional Tips
- Make sure you have Python installed on your system and that it is added to your system’s PATH.
- You can also use ‘python -V’ to check the Python version installed on your system.
- If you have multiple versions of Python installed, specify the version when running your script, for example, ‘python3 script.py’.
Now you know how to use the Windows Command Prompt to run a Python file effortlessly. Practice running different scripts to become more familiar with the process and improve your Python programming skills.