How to Create a Python Script That Runs on Double-Click to Open a Terminal and Display Output

Running a Python script by simply double-clicking a file can be a convenient way to automate tasks and see the output in a terminal. This guide will walk you through the process for both Windows and macOS/Linux systems, covering the necessary steps for creating the script, batch file, or shell script, and setting up the desktop shortcut.

Windows Setup

To create a Python script that runs on double-click and opens a terminal window to display output, follow the steps below:

Create the Python Script: Open a text editor like Notepad and write the following code:

pythonimport os('echo Hello, World!')

Save the file with a .py extension, for example, Create a Batch File: Open a text editor and write the following code:

@echo offstart pythonw.exe %~

Save this file with a .bat extension, for example, run_ Run the Batch File: Double-click the run_ file to open a terminal and display the output "Hello, World!"

macOS/Linux Setup

Create a Python script that runs on double-click and opens a terminal window to display output by following these steps:

Create the Python Script: Open a terminal and create a new Python file:

pythonprint("Hello, World!")

Save and exit by pressing CTRL X, then Y, then Enter. Make the Script Executable: Run the following command to make the script executable:

chmod  x 

Create a Shell Script: Create another file in the terminal for the shell script:

!/bin/bashgnome-terminal -- python3 

Save and exit. Make the Shell Script Executable: Run the following command to make the shell script executable:

chmod  x run_

Run the Shell Script: You can double-click the run_ file in your file manager to run it, or you can run it from the terminal.

Notes

Ensure that Python is installed on your system and that the path to the Python interpreter is correctly set. For macOS, if you're using a different terminal like iTerm2, you may need to adjust the command in the shell script accordingly. On Linux, the command to open a terminal may vary depending on the desktop environment, e.g., gnome-terminal, xterm, etc.

This setup should allow you to double-click a file to run your Python script and see the output in a terminal window.