How to Run a Python File in Terminal Mac

If you're new to programming, you might be wondering how to run a Python file on your Mac. There are many tools and editors available for Mac that you can use to develop and run Python scripts. In this article, we will explore two common methods of running Python scripts: using the Mac Terminal and IDLE.

Why Choose Python?

Python is a portable scripting language that can be used on almost any operating system, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. It's a popular choice among developers due to its simplicity and ease of use. Python scripts typically have a `.py` extension, but it's not necessary for the script to run.

Methods to Run Python Scripts on Mac

There are a couple of methods you can use to run Python scripts on your Mac:

### Method 1: Using Mac Terminal

To use the Mac Terminal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use Finder to locate your Python script. For this example, we will use a simple test Python script called `HelloWorld.py` that simply prints a message saying 'Hello World'.

Step 2: Navigate to the location of your Python script using the Terminal command.

Step 3: Run the Python script with the `python3` command.

### Method 2: Using IDLE

To use IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment), follow these steps:

Step 1: Use Finder to locate your Python script. For this example, we will use the same `HelloWorld.py` script as before.

Step 2: Navigate to the location of your Python script using the Finder.

Step 3: Select 'Open With' and then choose IDLE.app from the list of available applications.

Running a Python file on your Mac is easy and straightforward. Whether you prefer using the Terminal or IDLE, both methods will allow you to execute your Python scripts with ease. In this article, we covered two common methods for running Python scripts: using the Mac Terminal and IDLE. With these methods, you can start experimenting with Python scripting and exploring its many capabilities.

How to run a python file in terminal mac