Executing Python Scripts in CMD: A Comprehensive Guide

The command prompt (CMD) in Windows is a powerful tool that allows users to interact with their computer’s operating system using text-based commands. One of the many things you can do with CMD is run Python scripts, giving you direct access to the Python interpreter and the ability to execute Python code. In this article, we’ll explore the process of running Python scripts in CMD, from installing Python to executing your first script.

Step 1: Install Python

Before you can run Python scripts in CMD, you need to have Python installed on your computer. Follow these steps to download and install Python:

1. Go to python.org and click on the “Downloads” button.
2. Select the latest version of Python for your operating system (Windows) and download the installer.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Python. During the installation process, make sure to check the box that adds Python to your PATH environment variable. This will allow you to run Python from any location in CMD.

Step 2: Verify Python Installation

Once Python is installed, open CMD and type python --version or python -V (without the quotes) to verify that Python is installed and to check the version number. If everything is set up correctly, CMD should display the version number of your Python installation.

Step 3: Write a Python Script

Before you can run a Python script in CMD, you need to have a script to run. Open a text editor (such as Notepad) and type in some basic Python code, such as the following “Hello, World!” example:

pythonprint("Hello, World!")

Save the file with a .py extension, such as hello_world.py.
Step 4: Run Your Python Script in CMD
Now that you have Python installed and a Python script to run, you’re ready to execute your script in CMD. Follow these steps:

Open CMD.
Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where your Python script is saved. For example, if your script is saved in the Documents folder, you can use the command cd Documents.
Once you’re in the correct directory, type python followed by the name of your script, including the .py extension. For example, to run the hello_world.py script, you would type python hello_world.py (without the quotes) and press Enter.

If everything is set up correctly, CMD should display the output of your Python script, which in this case would be Hello, World!.
Troubleshooting Tips

If you receive an error message saying that python is not recognized as an internal or external command, it means Python is not added to your PATH environment variable. You can fix this by reinstalling Python and making sure to check the box that adds Python to your PATH during the installation process.
If your script contains errors, CMD will display the error message. Carefully read the error message to identify and fix the problem.

Conclusion
Running Python scripts in CMD is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with just a few simple steps. Whether you’re a seasoned Python developer or just starting out, knowing how to run Python scripts in CMD can be a valuable skill for debugging, testing, and automating tasks on your computer. With this guide, you should now be able to confidently execute Python scripts in CMD and take advantage of the many benefits that Python has to offer.