A Beginner's Guide to Running Python Scripts on Linux and Windows

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to execute Python scripts seamlessly on both Linux and Windows platforms.

How to Run Python Script?

Python is a versatile programming language used in various fields, from web development to data science. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, knowing how to run Python scripts on different operating systems like Linux and Windows is essential.

Running Python Scripts on Linux:

1. Open Terminal: On Linux, the terminal is your gateway to running Python scripts. You can find it by searching for "Terminal" in your applications menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
   

2. Navigate to the Script Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where your Python script is located. For example: cd /path/to/your/script/directory
   

3. Check Python Version: Ensure that Python is installed on your system by typing: python --version
   

4. Run the Script: Once you're in the directory containing your Python script, execute it by typing: python your_script.py
   

5. Replace your_script.py with the actual name of your Python script.
   

Running Python Scripts on Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt: On Windows, you'll use the Command Prompt to run Python scripts. You can find it by searching for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu or by pressing Win + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter.
   

2. Navigate to the Script Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where your Python script is located. For example: cd C:\path\to\your\script\directory
   

3. Check Python Version: Check if Python is installed on your system and verify the version by typing: python --version
   

4. Run the Script: Once you're in the directory containing your Python script, execute it by typing: python your_script.py
   

5. Replace your_script.py with the actual name of your Python script.
   

Tips for Running Python Scripts on Both Platforms:

1. Virtual Environments: Consider using virtual environments to manage dependencies for your Python projects. You can create a virtual environment using venv module on both Linux and Windows.
   

2. Shebang Line: If you're working with Linux, you can add a shebang line at the beginning of your Python script to specify the interpreter path. For example: #!/usr/bin/env python
   

3. This allows you to execute the script directly without explicitly calling the Python interpreter.
   

4. File Permissions: On Linux, ensure that your Python script has executable permissions. You can set the permissions using the chmod command: chmod +x your_script.py
   

Conclusion: Running Python scripts on both Linux and Windows is straightforward, requiring only a few steps in the respective command-line interfaces. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly execute your Python scripts on different operating systems, enabling you to develop and deploy Python applications with ease.