As a programmer, it is integral to know how to open PY files and run Python scripts and codes on various platforms. In fact, this is the only way you can find out whether the code worked in the first place. That being said, even for a general user it can really come in handy to know how to access a PY file.
There are a plethora of Python editors that allows you to open your PY file. In our step-by-step tutorial, we are going to guide you through various ways to run your Python script depending on the environment.
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How to Open PY Files on Your PC?
There is various software you can use to open PY files. Plus, you can also edit a PY script in Notepad. Some of the popular open-source IDE software programmers use to open a PY file include PyScripter, PyDev, and PyCharm.
Also Read: 10 Best Free HTML Editors for Windows and Mac
These are some of the most prominent tools that allow you to view the content of your PY file. Simultaneously, you can also use the same as PY file editors, as well as run your scripts in a closed environment.
Just make sure that Python Interpreters are installed on your PC, in order to make the most out of it. That being said, here are some of the best ways to open your PY file on a PC:
1. Open PY File in IDLE
The latest version of Python (which is 3.11.2 at the time of writing), already comes with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) known as IDLE. Here’s how you can run PY files using IDLE on your system:
Step 1
Go to the Official Website of Python to Download the latest version. Simply click on Downloads and choose your operating system. For Windows users select the Windows x86-64 executable installer while macOS users select the macOS 64-bit installer. For Windows users, make sure to click on install when prompted.
Step 2
Once installed, head over to the Windows start menu and look for idle. Click on the first search result to open the program.
Step 3
From the top-left corner of IDLE, click on File Menu. Click on Open until the file picker appears.
Step 4
Select your PY file and click on Open. Make sure that the script ends with the ‘.py’ extension. This will open your file for further editing. Similarly, if you want to execute the script, simply click on Run.
2. Open PY Files using CPhython Interpreter
Step 1
Just like in the previous method, go to the Official Website of Python to Download the latest version. Simply click on Downloads and choose your operating system. For Windows users select the Windows x86-64 executable installer while macOS users select the macOS 64-bit installer. For Windows users, make sure to click on install when prompted.
Step 2
Next, open the menu by pressing the Windows Key + X hotkey combination.
Step 3
Select Command Prompt (Admin) to open the CP’s window.
Step 4
Now you can open the folder that includes the Python script in the command prompt by entering ‘Cd’ followed by the path of the folder. For instance, you can enter the path as follows:
C:Python32python.exe C:User FolderPY Files SubfolderPy file title.PY
Step 5
Simply press Enter to run your Python script.
It is imperative to understand that, while text editors are capable of editing files, you actually need a Python interpreter in order to open or run Python scripts.
3. Open PY Files in Notepad++
Last but not least, Notepad++ is also capable enough to open PY files. It is a third-party text editor that extensively supports PY files along with other formats. You can easily use Notepad++ for various iterations of Windows including Windows 11/10 all the way down to Windows 7.
Step 1
First, right-click on the Start menu to open the System and check your System type.
Step 2
Download Notepad++ from the official website. You need to pick the correct version of your System. Notepad++ is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
Step 3
Download the setup Wizard and install the software on your system.
Step 4
Open Notepad++ and go to File > Open.
Step 5
Pick the PY file you want to open on your PC. Notepad++ will open the same on your system.
Not to mention, if you want to simply view your PY script, you can also convert the same to PDF documents. Simply, go to PDF24 to convert your PY files into PDF documents for utmost portability.
Bonus Read: What are HTTP Status Codes
Wrapping Up: Open PY Files
Our article would be helpful if you want to open a PY file using an IDE application, Python interpreters, and text editors. Just follow the steps we have suggested and you’re good to go. Let us know in the comments below, how often you come across PY files.
