## ![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/python-ga/images/GA_Cog_Medium_White_RGB.png)

Running Python on Your Computer

--- ## Lesson Objectives *After this lesson, you will be able to…* - Write Python 3 scripts locally. - Run Python 3 scripts via the command prompt. --- ## Defining Assumptions We can't use repl.it forever! We can run Python right on our computers. * GA uses Macs for its default curriculum. * We are happy to help you program Python on Windows or Linux as well. * Sometimes you may need to ask questions about subtle differences! --- ## In-Line REPL Let's check out a REPL. - `Read-Evaluate-Print-Loop`. - An interactive way to code. Let's do it! * Open your terminal. * Then, open your in-line REPL: Mac/Linux: ``` python ``` Windows: ``` py ``` --- ## We Do: Interactive Development You can type any Python code you want here. Let's declare a variable and do some math: ```python x = 4 y = 5 print(x + y) ``` > **Pro tip:** `exit()` is the command for when you want to get out of this environment! --- ## We Do: Local Files We can create a file with a `.py` extension — we can execute properly written Python code in a `.py` file. 1. Create a new file with a `.py` extension. Let's call it `my_file.py`. 2. Open `my_file.py` in `Atom`. 3. In this file, declare some variables. Let's mix integers and strings! ```python favorite_tv_show = "Ninja Warrior" obstacles_cleared = 5 time = "3 min, 20 sec" print("I cleared", obstacles_cleared, "on", favorite_tv_show, "in", time) ``` Save and close your file. > **Pro tip:** Make sure you have a `print` statement. --- ## We Do: Running Local Files Now we have code in a file, but we need to run it. * Back on your terminal, we'll navigate to where that file is located: * `cd` stands for "change directory" ("directory" is another word for "folder"). * `cd my_folder` changes to the directory `my_directory`. * `cd ..` goes up to the parent folder of the one you're in. * Running the file varies slightly between Windows and Mac/Linux: * Mac/Linux: `python my_file.py` * Windows: `py my_file.py` Raise your hand if you need help! --- ## Summary * We now have Python 3 — the latest and greatest — installed. * We can use our in-line REPL in the terminal. * We can execute a local `.py` file with Python code in it. * We know how to do this regardless of whether we use Mac, Linux, or Windows. > Any questions? --- ## Additional Resources * [Linux Command Line Cheat Sheet](https://www.cheatography.com/davechild/cheat-sheets/linux-command-line/) * [Mac Command Line Cheat Sheet](https://www.git-tower.com/blog/command-line-cheat-sheet/) * [Windows Command Line Cheat Sheet](http://simplyadvanced.net/blog/cheat-sheet-for-windows-command-prompt/)