How to Run Python Scripts on Windows: Interactive, IDLE, and Command Prompt Guide

Python can be run in several ways on Windows: through an interactive environment, a command‑line window, or development tools, and the method varies across platforms.

After installing Python, you can enter the interactive environment either by opening IDLE’s shell window (see image) or by launching a command‑prompt, typing python, and pressing Enter (see image).

In the >>> prompt you type statements one by one; each line is executed immediately, similar to a calculator, and the special variable _ holds the result of the last expression.

If a syntax error occurs, Python displays an error message with the line number, helping you locate and fix the problem quickly.

The interactive session does not save your code after you close the window, though you can recall recent commands with the up‑arrow key while the session is active.

For longer scripts, use a text editor. In IDLE choose File → New window (see image), write your code with proper indentation, save it with a .py extension, and run it with F5 or the Run menu.