Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language. Running Python scripts, using Python3, and converting scripts into executable files can streamline workflows and improve script portability. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to accomplish these tasks.

Running Python Scripts

Python scripts are files containing Python code, typically saved with a .py extension. To run a Python script:

1. Open the Terminal or Command Prompt:

   • On Linux/Mac: Use the terminal.
   • On Windows: Use Command Prompt or PowerShell.

2. Run the Script:

   • Navigate to the directory where the script is located using the cd command.

   • Execute the script with:

     1	python3 script_name.py

     Here, python3 explicitly calls Python version 3, ensuring compatibility with Python 3 syntax.

Using the Shebang

A shebang (or hashbang) is a special line at the beginning of a script file that tells the system which interpreter to use to execute the script. For Python3, include the following shebang line at the top of your script:

1

#!/usr/bin/env python3

• Explanation:

  • #!/usr/bin/env locates the python3 executable in the user’s environment, ensuring portability.

  • Place this as the first line in your script to make it executable.

    1 2	#!/usr/bin/env python3 print("Hello world")

Making Python Scripts Executable

To make a Python script executable, follow these steps:

1. Add the Shebang:

   • Ensure the first line of the script contains #!/usr/bin/env python3.

2. Change File Permissions:

   • Use the chmod command to make the script executable:

     1	chmod +x script_name.py

3. Run the Script Directly:

   • Execute the script by calling its name without explicitly using python3:

     1	./script_name.py

We need to add ./ for the script name because that script name is not found in any of the PATH variables in that Linux machine. So, we have to specify the folder location where that script is located.

By following these steps, you can efficiently run Python scripts, leverage shebang for convenience, and convert your scripts into executables for enhanced portability and ease of use.