How to Execute a Python Script

Executing a Python script means running a .py file so the Python interpreter reads and executes the code inside it. There are several common ways to run Python scripts depending on your environment.

Below is a step-by-step tutorial covering the most common methods.

Execute a Python Script from the Command Line (Recommended)

This is the most common and platform-independent method.

Step 1 — Create a Python Script

Create a file named:

File Name

hello.py

Example code:

Python

# hello.py

# Print a simple message
print("Hello, World!")

# Define two variables
a = 10
b = 20

# Perform addition
result = a + b

# Display the result
print("Sum:", result)

Step 2 — Open Terminal / Command Prompt

Navigate to the folder containing the script.

Example:

Windows Command Prompt

cd C:\Users\Ashish\Documents\python-scripts

Or in Linux / Mac:

Terminal

cd /home/ashish/python-scripts

Step 3 — Run the Script

Execute the script using:

Bash

python hello.py

The output of the above code is:

Output

Hello, World!
Sum: 30

Key Points