Running Python from the Command Line on Windows

In this tutorial, we will cover how to run Python from the command line on a Windows system. This is an essential skill for any Python developer, as it allows you to execute Python scripts and interact with the Python interpreter directly.

Installing Python

To start, make sure you have Python installed on your Windows system. You can download the latest version of Python from the official Python website: https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/. Follow the installation instructions to install Python on your system.

Running Python using the Py Launcher

By default, the latest versions of Python include a feature called the Py Launcher. This allows you to run Python by typing py in the command prompt instead of python. To use the Py Launcher, simply open a new command prompt and type py.

C:\Users\username>py
Python 3.x.x (v3.x.x:xxxxxxxxx, xxx xx xxxx, xx:xx:xx) [MSC v.1900 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

Running Python by Adding it to the PATH Environment Variable

Alternatively, you can add the Python executable directory to your system’s PATH environment variable. This will allow you to run Python by typing python in the command prompt.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on "Computer" or "This PC" and select "Properties".
2. Click on "Advanced system settings" on the left side.
3. Click on "Environment Variables".
4. Under the "System Variables" section, scroll down and find the "Path" variable, then click "Edit".
5. Click "New" and enter the path to your Python executable directory (e.g., C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x).
6. Click "OK" on all the windows.

Now you should be able to run Python by typing python in the command prompt:

C:\Users\username>python
Python 3.x.x (v3.x.x:xxxxxxxxx, xxx xx xxxx, xx:xx:xx) [MSC v.1900 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

Troubleshooting

If you are still having trouble running Python from the command line, make sure that:

• You have installed Python correctly and it is in your system’s PATH environment variable.
• You are using the correct version of Python (e.g., python instead of py).
• There are no typos or spaces in the path to your Python executable directory.

By following these steps, you should be able to run Python from the command line on your Windows system. This will allow you to execute Python scripts and interact with the Python interpreter directly.