How To Run Python Script On Mac

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Python is a widely used high-level programming language for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. In this tutorial, we will learn how to run a Python script on a Mac. We will cover two different methods for running Python scripts:

  • Using the Terminal
  • Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Prerequisites

Before we begin, it is essential to have Python installed on your Mac. Most MacOS versions come with Python pre-installed, but it might be an older version. To check your Python version, open the Terminal application and type the following command:

python --version

If Python is not installed or you want to upgrade to the latest version, head to the official Python website and download the appropriate Python installer for your Mac.

Method 1: Using the Terminal

To run a Python script using the Terminal, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new Python script file using your preferred text editor (e.g., TextEdit, Atom, or Sublime Text). Save the file with the extension .py, for instance, hello_world.py.
  2. Open the Terminal application (you can find it in the Applications > Utilities folder or search for it using Spotlight).
  3. Navigate to the directory where you saved the Python script. For example, if you saved the script on the Desktop, type the following command: 
    cd ~/Desktop
  4. Run the Python script by typing the following command, replacing script_name.py with the name of your script: 
    python script_name.py

    If your system uses Python 3, you might need to use python3 instead of python:

    python3 script_name.py

The Terminal will now execute your Python script, and you should see the output on the screen.

Method 2: Using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that combines various tools needed for software development, such as a code editor, compiler, and debugger. There are many IDEs available for Python development, such as PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and Jupyter Notebook.

In this example, we will use the PyCharm IDE. To run a Python script using PyCharm, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install PyCharm on your Mac.
  2. Open PyCharm and create a new project. Save the project in the desired location.
  3. Create a new Python script file by right-clicking on the project folder, then select New > Python File. Name your Python script and press Enter.
  4. Write your Python code in the newly created script file.
  5. To run the script, right-click on the script file in the project folder and select Run ‘script_name’, or press Ctrl+Shift+F10.

PyCharm will now execute your Python script, and you will see the output on the screen.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to run Python scripts on a Mac using two different methods: using the Terminal and using an IDE like PyCharm. Both methods have their advantages, so choose the one that best suits your workflow and preferences. Happy coding!