Linux is arguably the most well-known open-source operating system for software developers. Similarly, Python has gained a reputation as one of the most versatile and popular programming languages globally. It has many built-in functions and libraries that make writing a modern, reliable Python script a breeze. For beginners and professionals alike, using a fast and reliable compiler and Python IDE is critical because it aids Python developers in remembering which language features exist, how to use them, and even detecting errors when we get them wrong. Python’s popularity is also matched by the wide selection of servers which use it to deliver a range of online and connected services. A substantial majority of those servers run the Linux operating system thanks to Linux’s open-source foundation, generous licensing model, and ability to run on olde, more cost-effective hardware. However, because Linux can be difficult to learn for beginners, aspiring developers must understand how to run Python scripts on Linux.
This article looks at running Python scripts on Linux and discusses the best IDE to run Python. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why should you use Linux for Python programming?
Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux is an open-source operating system. Actually, in truth, it is no longer just an operating system; it is also a platform for running desktops, servers, embedded computers, and IoT devices. Furthermore, because it is open source and modular, it offers a wide range of variations, known as distributions which have modifications and additions to suit almost any need and preference.
The Linux system manages all process scheduling, application scheduling, basic peripheral devices, file system, and other services in the user’s system. Moreover, compared to other operating systems like Windows and macOS, Linux has a number of advantages. Hence, it’s found in practically every industry, from automobiles to home appliances, smartphones, and servers (supercomputers).
Many characteristics of the Linux operating system can make it a superior choice to alternate operating systems. Moreover, because it is open source, with its source code readily accessible. The operating system can be customized by anyone with the right programming skills. The code can be examined, contributed to, modified, and distributed for any purpose. Furthermore, Linux has established a reputation for being secure, free of ‘bloatware’, and relatively resistant to computer viruses which is yet another reason for its popularity among developers. It isn’t fully safe, but it really is safer than other options.
What is the Python Interpreter?
Python is an interpreted language, which means it the program code is read and executed line by line at the time the user runs the program, each time the program is run.
Whenever we write Python code in any text editor, we always save the file with the extension of “.py”. However, therein lies a question, how is this code going to work? An applications or program, such as “python” or “python3,” must be installed on your computer, and it is that program which reads the Python “.py” file and executed the program code. We call these kinds of programs a Python Interpreter.
Files that contain Python instructions are called a Python ‘script’.
The Interpreter has a software layer, called “the runtime” that links the program contained in the Python script and the system hardware, allowing the code to run.
Python does include a python ‘shell’, which can run (execute) a single line of commands in the Python language and display the results.
Because the Python interpreter reads the command first, then evaluates it, prints the results, and then loops back to read the command you will sometimes see this referred to as REPL – Read, Evaluate, Print, Loop.
How to run your Python script
Starting the interpreter is the first step in running your Python script. The simplest way to start the interpreter is to open a terminal and then use the command line to invoke it. Moreover, several applications on GNU/Linux can access the command line, including xterm, Gnome Terminal, and Konsole.
The python command is quite simply the most basic and easy way to run a Python script. Open a command prompt and type python followed by the path to your script file, as shown below:
python first_script.py |
After writing the above command, simply press the ENTER key on your keyboard. This will result in the output as shown below:
Hello World! |
As you can see, this produces the phrase Hello World! So congratulations, you’ve just finished running your first Python script.
However, If you do not receive the output, you should check your system PATH and the location where you saved your file.
Moreover, if it still doesn’t work, try reinstalling Python on your system.
What is the best IDE to write a Python script?
Writing Python scripts is quite a cumbersome task, especially in an operating system with a command-line interface like Linux. It is made a lot easier by using a special kind of intelligent text editor called an IDE – an abbreviation for Integrated Development Environment.
However, Linux has a good selection of IDEs, but in our opinion, as is often the case, the best Python IDEs are only available for Windows and Mac. Thankfully, despite this, we can install our choice for best IDE, PyScripter, using a package called Wine. Wine allows programs designed to run on Microsoft Windows and enables them to run on Linux.
PyScripter is a lightweight, integrated development environment (IDE) designed to complement the excellent Python for Delphi (P4D) components by providing a reliable scripting solution for Delphi applications. It’s written in Delphi using P4D and the SynEdit component, but Python scripts can be added. Additionally, it also has a modern user interface; however, it is only available for Microsoft Windows. PyScripter was created using a compiled language. As a result, its graphics are faster than those of other IDEs. Moreover, it has a wide range of features that make it a good Python programming environment.
PyScripter is an extremely capable IDE, with a debugger and a slew of advanced features like code recommendations. Moreover, it is significantly faster than other Python IDEs. It comes with a slew of additional features that make it an excellent Python development environment. This also makes it the best starting language for beginners. You can learn more about PyScripter in this article here.
How do you install the best Python IDE?
Wine is like a compatibility layer in Linux, not an emulator, that allows users to install Windows applications on Linux. You can check out this link on how to install wine on Linux.
After installing Wine, you can visit the official PyScripter page and start downloading PyScripter, as you would typically for in windows. Next, open the Linux terminal and, using the cd command, navigate to the PyScripter installation file’s folder using the cd command. Finally, run the following command:
wine PyScripter.exe |
Are you ready to write Python Scripts on Linux?
Python is a versatile language useful for a variety of applications. Furthermore, as analytics and business intelligence becomes more popular, it is becoming more valuable in a broader range of computing and scientific applications. Again, a good Python IDE makes it simple and quick to manage your coding projects. Hence, with features such as code recommendations and a debugger, Pyscripter is the best IDE. Moreover, it’s also faster than some other Python IDEs because it’s written in a compiled language. Additionally, It comes with a slew of useful features that make it an excellent Python programming environment.
