Python is one of the most popular programming languages. Beginners and professional programmers use it to perform tasks of varying difficulty. This language is easy to learn, so if you are just a novice Python script writer, you can easily get started. In this article, we will talk about how to set up a working environment, what tools to use, and how to write Python script.
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What is a Python script?
A Python script is a plain text file with a .py extension that contains lines of Python code. Python code is very similar to pseudocode. It has a simple syntax and is easy for beginners to learn.
How to write a Python script?
Install Python3
To start creating and running Python scripts, first, you need to install Python on your system. Download the latest stable version of Python from the official website and install it by following the instructions. After that, you will be able to run your scripts using python script.py and get an interactive shell on the command line by typing in python at the terminal prompt.
How to choose a Python code editor?
You can use any text editor for Python programming. For example, Notepad or GEdit. For greater convenience, you can choose such editors as Notepad++ or Sublime Text. They support automatic code formatting and syntax highlighting. There are also code editors that have code debugging tools, auto-completion and IntelliSense, easy navigation, and many other useful features.
Another way to write Python code is to use an integrated development environment (IDE), which includes different development tools in a single application. The final choice of code creation program depends on your needs.
How to create a Python script file
Create a folder on your computer in which you will save Python files. Open the folder in your code editor and create a file called circle.py. Place the following Python commands in it:
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# Define variable radius radius = 10 # Calculate area area = 3.14 * 2 * radius # Print result print("Area of the circle is", area) |
In this example, we created a variable radius and assigned it a value of 10. After that, we calculated the area of a circle with a given radius and printed the result on the screen.
Now let’s complicate this example. The radius variable will be entered by the user, and the value of the circle area will be calculated in a function that will have one input argument and return the result.
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# Define area function def area(radius): result = 3.14 * 2 * radius return result # Read number and convert it to int radius = int(input("Enter a number: ")); # Call area function and print result print("Area of the circle is", area(radius)) |
If a non-integer value is specified when entering the radius, the program will generate an error. You should use the try-catch block to handle errors in Python programs.
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# Try block try: # Define area function def area(radius): result = 3.14 * 2 * radius return result # Read number and convert it to int radius = int(input("Enter a number: ")); # Call area function and print result print("Area of the circle is", area(radius)) # Exception block except (ValueError): # Print error message print("Error! Please, enter a numeric value") |
If you want the created code to run several times, you need to use a loop. Let’s add a while loop to the created example, which will allow us to calculate the area of the circle 5 times for different radiuses.
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# Try block try: # Define area function def area(radius): result = 3.14 * 2 * radius return result # Initialize counter counter = 0 # Iterate the loop 5 times while counter < 5: # Read number and convert it to int radius = int(input("Enter a number: ")); # Call area function and print result print("Area of the circle is", area(radius)) # Increment the counter counter = counter + 1 # Exception block except (ValueError): # Print error message print("Error! Please, enter a numeric value") |
How to run Python script?
To run the created script, open the folder containing the script file in the command line and execute the following command:
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python circle.py |
The result of the execution of the program is shown in the figure.
If you use an IDE to write Python scripts, then you can run the finished script using its tools.
Why should you use PyScripter Python IDE for writing Python scripts?
PyScripter is a free, powerful, and open-source Python IDE. It has a simple and user-friendly interface that you can easily learn, even if you do not yet have much experience in Python development.
PyScripter offers all the features you need for easy and fast development:
- Modern and simple graphic interface.
- Syntax highlighting.
- Code auto-completion.
- Full Python debugging with remote debugging support.
- Integrated Unit testing.
- Integrated Python interpreter.
- Ability to run scripts without saving them.
- And more.
In addition, there is a large community of developers who will help you in solving problems that may arise.
Start creating Python scripts with PyScripter and see that this tool is perfect for you!
FAQ about writing a Python script
Where can I write Python script?
Python scripts are text files, so you can use any text editor to write them. For example, Visual Studio Code, Notepad++, Vim, etc. But the best option for writing a Python script is to use an IDE, as it offers several tools to speed up and simplify scripting. For example, PyScripter Python IDE, IDLE, and PyCharm.
How do you write a Python script?
To begin with, you need to install Python and choose a code editor which you will use to create the script. After that, create a new py file and put the script in it. You can create your functions and import libraries to reuse ready-made functionality.
Is Python scripting easy?
Yes, Python is considered one of the easiest programming languages for beginners to learn. If you have never written Python scripts, you can easily start doing it.
How do I start coding a Python script?
You need to install Python and use any text editor to write a Python script. Create a Python file called “hello.py” and put the following code there: print(“Hello World”). After running the script, the message “Hello World” will be displayed on the screen.
Is Python a script or code?
Python is an interpreted programming language. To run a Python program, the source code is converted to bytecode, which is run by an interpreter. Therefore, Python is a scripting language.
