Below is a clear, complete, exam-oriented explanation of Running Python, covering all important methods: interactive mode, script mode, IDEs, command line, and editors. Suitable for BCA/MCA/B.Tech students.

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Running Python

Once Python is installed, you can run Python programs in different ways depending on your requirement. Python provides two primary modes of execution:

1. Interactive Mode (Python Shell / REPL)
2. Script Mode (Running .py files)

Along with this, Python can also be run using:

• IDLE
• VS Code
• PyCharm
• Jupyter Notebook
• Command Line Terminal

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1. Running Python in Interactive Mode (Python Shell / REPL)

Interactive mode lets you execute Python commands line by line.
It is useful for:

• Testing small code snippets
• Learning Python
• Checking output quickly

How to open Python Interactive Shell:

Windows:

Open Command Prompt and type:

python

macOS/Linux:

python3

You will see the Python prompt:

>>>

Example in interactive mode:

>>> print("Hello")
Hello
>>> 5 + 6
11

Exit interactive mode:

>>> exit()

or press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Ctrl + D (macOS/Linux)

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2. Running Python in Script Mode (Using .py Files)

Script mode is used for writing full Python programs in files ending with .py extension.

Steps:

1. Open a text editor (Notepad, VS Code, Sublime, PyCharm, etc.)
2. Create a file:
   example.py
3. Write Python code: print("Python Script Mode Example")
4. Save the file.

Run the file from Command Prompt/Terminal:

Windows:

python example.py

macOS/Linux:

python3 example.py

This executes the program and shows output.

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3. Running Python Using IDLE

IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) comes bundled with Python.

To open IDLE:

• Windows Start Menu → Search IDLE
• macOS/Linux → depending on installation

IDLE provides:

• Python shell (interactive mode)
• Editor window (script mode)

Steps to run using IDLE:

1. Open IDLE
2. Click File → New File
3. Write code: print("Hello from IDLE")
4. Save (Ctrl + S)
5. Run → Run Module (F5)

Output appears in Python Shell.

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4. Running Python in VS Code

VS Code is one of the most popular editors.

Steps:

1. Install VS Code
2. Install the Python Extension
3. Create a file with .py extension
4. Write your code
5. Click Run > Run Without Debugging
6. Output appears in the terminal

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5. Running Python in PyCharm

PyCharm is a dedicated Python IDE.

Steps:

1. Install PyCharm
2. Create a new project
3. Create a Python file
4. Write code
5. Click the Run button

PyCharm automatically handles Python interpreter paths.

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6. Running Python in Jupyter Notebook

Used in Data Science and Machine Learning.

Steps:

Run:

jupyter notebook

Create Python notebook:
File → New → Python 3

Write code inside cells and press Shift + Enter to execute.

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7. Running Python Using Command Line Arguments

You can pass arguments to Python scripts.

Example script: add.py

import sys
print("Arguments:", sys.argv)

Run:

python add.py 10 20

Output:

Arguments: ['add.py', '10', '20']

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8. Using “python -c” to run one-line commands

You can run quick commands without opening interactive mode:

python -c "print(5*5)"

Output:

25

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9. Running Python Using an Online Compiler

If Python is not installed, you can use:

• Replit
• Google Colab
• Jupyter Notebook online
• Programiz / HackerRank / TutorialsPoint editors

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Summary Table: Running Python

Method	Description	Best Use
Interactive mode	Run line-by-line in Python shell	Testing small code
Script mode	Run .py files	Full programs
IDLE	Built-in Python IDE	Beginners
VS Code	Editor with extensions	Most common
PyCharm	Full IDE	Professional development
Jupyter Notebook	Cell-based	Data science
Terminal commands	python -c	Quick tasks
Online compilers	Browser-based	No installation required

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