How To Run Python Code In Ubuntu Command Line

by

Introduction

Recently, I’ve been exploring the world of Python programming, and I’ve found it incredibly powerful for various automation tasks and data manipulation. However, one thing that initially puzzled me was how to run Python code in the Ubuntu command line. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with running Python code directly in the Ubuntu command line.

Step 1: Check Python Installation

Before diving into running Python code, it’s essential to ensure that Python is installed on your Ubuntu system. To check whether Python is installed, you can simply open a terminal and type the following command: 

python --version

If Python is installed, you’ll see the version number displayed. If it’s not installed, you can install it using the package manager by running: 

sudo apt install python3

Step 2: Writing and Running Python Code

Now that we have Python installed, let’s create a simple Python script. You can use any text editor such as Vim, Nano, or even the GUI-based editor like Gedit to write your Python code. For example, let’s create a file named hello.py with the following code: 

print("Hello, Ubuntu command line!")

Save the file and close the editor. Next, navigate to the directory where the file is located using the terminal. You can run the Python script by entering the following command: 

python hello.py

Step 3: Using Python 3

In Ubuntu, Python 2 has been deprecated in favor of Python 3. If you have both versions installed, you should specifically use python3 followed by the script name to run Python 3 code. For example: 

python3 hello.py

Step 4: Virtual Environments

It’s good practice to use virtual environments to manage dependencies for different projects. To create and activate a virtual environment, use the following commands: 

python3 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate

Conclusion

Running Python code in the Ubuntu command line is a fundamental skill for any Python developer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, mastering this skill opens up a world of possibilities for automating tasks and creating powerful scripts. By following these steps, you can start harnessing the power of Python directly from the command line in Ubuntu.