How To Run A Python Script In Linux 

So you’ve made the jump to Linux. There have been endless debates about whether or not it’s the superior operating system.

Linux is a more barebones operating system, which comes with many customizability options.

But with that comes compatibility issues – and you might be wondering how you can run python script within Linux.

Python is one of the most well-loved programming languages. Its simplistic syntax has led many junior programmers to transition into more complex programming languages.

Python and Linux are very linked, and if you’ve recently made the switch, then you’re likely to come across many different instances of Python scripts.

If you find yourself wanting to know how to run python scripts in Linux, then you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’re going to be taking you through everything you’ll need to know.

We’ve also made sure to include a short Frequently Asked Questions section to help clarify some of the more specialized terminologies in this article. 

Python Interpreters 

If you’re new to Python, we’re going to take you back to the start to make sure that we’re on the same page.

A Python script usually refers to a text file of some kind that contains code.

To run this code and do something on your PC, you’ll have to make use of a program we call an interpreter.

So what exactly is an interpreter? In short, an interpreter is quite like a real-time translator.

You’ll probably find a program on your computer that is named either ‘python’ or ‘python3.’

What this will do is translate the code that you have written and execute it. 

Creating A Script

Creating A File And Marking It As Executable 

In order to teach you how to run a Python script within Linix, we’re going to use a very simple Python Script.

First, you need to open up the Linux Terminal and create a file we’ll call ‘learning-script.py.’

Before we can start creating our code, we first need to make sure that this script will be allowed to run by your PC.

We do this by marking the file as executable.

If you find that there are later issues with how your script runs, it might be because you didn’t do this step correctly, so make sure you double-check if you run into problems later on!

Simple Python Code

We’re going to simply write a tiny bit of code here using the print function, try this line of code below:

print (‘Linux is Great’)

If you’re unfamiliar with this function or line of code, let’s quickly break it down.

The word ‘print’ (no capital letters, this is important), is a simple command that will print some text on your screen.

The brackets and speech marks separate the text – and the text is simply what will appear on the screen.

Once you’re done with this file, save it, ensure that it is marked as executable, and then close it. 

Running This Through The Interpreter

As mentioned before, in order to get our little Python program to run, you’re going to need to run it t through the interpreter.

You’ll need to specify the script that you’ve chosen. Check our example below:

$ python learning-script.py $

This will allow the interpreter to find the location of your file, and then run the script inside it.

You’ll know very quickly if it has worked. If not, double-check that your file is executable and that every part of the code within is correct.

Remember, when it comes to programming languages, you have to make sure each character is right.

One small error can lead to massive failures with your program. 

Final Thoughts

As demonstrated by our short guide above, running a script in Linux isn’t all that different from a Windows Operating system, and you won’t notice that much of a difference.

The main thing you’ll have to get to grips with is the interpreter.

Getting to grips with Linux can be difficult if you’re not used to it, but soon enough you’re bound to learn the nuances of the operating system.

We hope that this article has helped you understand the basics of running Python Scripts within Linux, and that you’re not able to extend your knowledge further with extra research and/or experimentation of your own!

If you still have some questions about some of the terms used in this article, check below for our short Frequently Asked Questions section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning that you can download it for free. It is probably the most popular operating system that is not Windows or macOS.

Linux is quite barebones and has allowed users to make changes and customize their system in a way that others do not. 

Why Would I Get Linux?

Linux is a great operating system for people who want something that is free and open-source, without having to opt-in to some of the more annoying features that something like Windows comes with.

It is secure, flexible, has great stability, and has a lot of hardware support.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that Linux has far less support for games, so if you’re a gamer – it might not be the right choice for you, and you’re likely to miss out on a lot of mainstream titles! 

What Is Terminal In Linux?

Terminal is a text-based interface that you can use to control a Linux computer.

In some ways, you can consider it to be CMD in a Windows Operating system, only it is much more commonly used and gives you a whole host of tools to complete specific tasks with.

Terminal is one of the easiest ways for your to navigate through the system.