How to Open and Run a Python File in CMD

If you have a Python file saved and want to open, run, or import it in CMD (Command Prompt), this guide will help you through each step. Whether you want to just read the file as a text, use it as a module, or run it as a script, these methods will be covered.

Opening a Python File as a Text File

If you have a Python file and you simply want to open it as a text file, you can use the open function, similar to what you would do with any other text file.

with open('') as spam:
  print(next(spam))

This code snippet will open the file and print the next line, allowing you to read the content line by line.

Importing a Python File as a Module

If you need to import the file as a module and use its functions or classes, use the import statement. This is similar to how you would import modules in your script or another module file.

import spam

After importing the module, you can use its functions and classes in your current script. For example, if your file contains a function eggs(), you can call it by typing spam,eggs().

Running the Code in an Interactive Session

Sometimes, you might want to run only the code in the file. In this case, you need to open the file, read its content, and then execute it.

with open('') as f:
  exec(())

This will read the entire content of the script and execute it in the current session, as if you had typed all the lines in the interpreter.

Running the Python Script Independently

If you want the script to run completely independently (e.g., to create a new isolated environment), you can use the subprocess module.

import subprocess
import sys
output  ([sys.executable, ''], checkTrue, capture_outputTrue)

This approach is similar to running it from the command line but ensures that the script runs in a separate environment, which can be useful for scenarios needing sandboxing.

Using Command Prompt (CMD) to Run Python Scripts

When you want to run a Python script directly from the Command Prompt, you can use the following steps:

First, ensure that you have the Python interpreter installed. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) by Win X, and select Command Prompt Admin. Navigate to the folder containing your Python script using cd path/to/folder Run your Python script by typing python or python3 (based on your Python version).

Alternatively, you can use a text editor like Notepad directly, but the most efficient way is to use the Python interpreter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, various methods are available to open and run a Python file in CMD. Whether you need to read the file, import its contents, or execute the code, these techniques are versatile and powerful. Consider switching to an interactive environment like IPython or Jupyter Notebook if you find yourself frequently running scripts in the shell.