How Do You Start Using Python on Linux for Beginners?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

If you’re venturing into the world of programming or looking to harness the power of Python on a Linux system, knowing how to start Python in Linux is an essential first step. Python’s versatility and simplicity have made it one of the most popular programming languages today, and Linux, with its robust and open-source environment, provides an ideal platform for Python development. Whether you’re a beginner eager to write your first lines of code or an experienced developer setting up your workflow, understanding how to launch and interact with Python on Linux will open up a world of possibilities.

Starting Python in Linux is more than just opening a terminal; it’s about tapping into a powerful ecosystem where you can run scripts, develop applications, and automate tasks efficiently. Linux distributions often come with Python pre-installed, but knowing how to access and use it effectively can greatly enhance your productivity. From command-line interfaces to integrated development environments, the ways to start Python are varied, each suited to different needs and preferences.

This article will guide you through the fundamental approaches to initiating Python on a Linux system, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration into coding, scripting, and development. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently begin your Python journey on Linux, setting the stage for more advanced programming adventures ahead.

Launching Python from the Terminal

Starting Python on a Linux system is most commonly done through the terminal. This approach provides direct access to the Python interpreter, allowing you to write and execute Python code interactively or run scripts.

To launch Python, open your terminal application and type the command corresponding to the installed Python version. The most typical commands are:

  • `python` – This often points to Python 2.x in some Linux distributions, although many modern distros link it to Python 3.
  • `python3` – Explicitly invokes Python 3, which is the current standard for new Python development.

Once you enter the command, the Python interpreter starts, displaying the version number, copyright information, and a prompt (usually `>>>`) where you can enter Python commands.

Example terminal command and output:

bash
$ python3
Python 3.8.10 (default, May 19 2021, 18:05:58)
[GCC 9.4.0] on linux
Type “help”, “copyright”, “credits” or “license” for more information.
>>>

At the prompt, you can execute Python statements line by line. To exit the interactive shell, type `exit()` or press `Ctrl+D`.

Running Python Scripts

In addition to the interactive mode, Python scripts saved in `.py` files can be executed directly from the terminal. This is essential for running larger programs or automating tasks.

To run a Python script, use the following syntax:

bash
python3 script_name.py

Replace `script_name.py` with the path to your Python file. The command invokes the Python interpreter to execute the script.

Before running scripts, ensure:

  • The Python script has appropriate read permissions.
  • The script’s first line can optionally include a shebang (e.g., `#!/usr/bin/env python3`) to specify the interpreter.
  • The script file is saved with UTF-8 encoding to avoid character interpretation issues.

You can also make the script executable and run it without explicitly calling the Python interpreter:

bash
chmod +x script_name.py
./script_name.py

This method requires the shebang line at the top of the script.

Using Python Virtual Environments

Isolating Python projects with virtual environments is a best practice, especially on Linux systems where multiple projects may require different package versions.

Python 3 includes the built-in `venv` module to create lightweight virtual environments:

  • Create a new environment:

bash
python3 -m venv myenv

  • Activate the environment:

bash
source myenv/bin/activate

  • Deactivate the environment:

bash
deactivate

Inside a virtual environment, the `python` and `pip` commands point to the isolated environment versions, preventing conflicts with system-wide packages.

Common Python Commands on Linux

Below is a table summarizing key Python-related commands and their purposes in Linux terminal usage:

Command Description Example Usage
python3 Launches the Python 3 interactive interpreter python3
python3 script.py Runs a Python script python3 hello.py
python3 -m venv envname Creates a new virtual environment python3 -m venv myenv
source envname/bin/activate Activates the virtual environment source myenv/bin/activate
deactivate Deactivates the active virtual environment deactivate
pip3 install package Installs a Python package for the current environment pip3 install requests

Launching Python from the Linux Terminal

To start Python on a Linux system, the most direct method is through the terminal. The terminal provides an interface to execute Python commands interactively or run Python scripts.

Follow these steps to launch the Python interpreter:

  • Open the terminal: This can be done by searching for “Terminal” in your applications menu or using a keyboard shortcut such as Ctrl + Alt + T in many distributions.
  • Check Python installation: Type python3 --version or python --version to verify if Python is installed and to see the installed version.
  • Start the Python interpreter: Enter python3 or python depending on which version you want to use. This opens an interactive Python shell where you can type Python commands.

For example, to start Python 3:

python3
Python 3.8.10 (default, May  3 2021, 08:55:58)
[GCC 9.3.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

The prompt >>> indicates that you are now in the Python interactive environment.

Running Python Scripts in Linux

Python scripts are plain text files with a .py extension. To execute a Python script, you use the terminal to run the Python interpreter with the script file as an argument.

Steps to run a Python script:

  • Create a Python script using a text editor, for example script.py.
  • Navigate to the directory containing the script using cd.
  • Run the script by typing python3 script.py or python script.py.

Example:

cd ~/projects
python3 script.py

If the script has executable permissions and the correct shebang line, you can execute it directly:

#!/usr/bin/env python3
print("Hello, World!")
  • Make it executable: chmod +x script.py
  • Run directly: ./script.py

Using Python Virtual Environments in Linux

Virtual environments allow you to create isolated Python environments for different projects, preventing package conflicts and simplifying dependency management.

To create and activate a Python virtual environment:

Command Description
python3 -m venv env_name Creates a new virtual environment named env_name
source env_name/bin/activate Activates the virtual environment
deactivate Deactivates the virtual environment

When the virtual environment is activated, the shell prompt typically changes to show the environment name. All Python packages installed using pip will be contained within this environment.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

If Python is not starting as expected, consider the following:

  • Verify Python installation: Use which python3 or which python to locate the binary.
  • Install Python if missing: Use your package manager, e.g., sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3 for Debian-based systems.
  • Check PATH environment variable: Ensure the Python binary directory is included in $PATH.
  • Use explicit version call: Some systems may require calling python3 instead of python to start Python 3.
  • Ensure script permissions: If executing scripts directly, verify they have executable permissions.

Expert Perspectives on Launching Python in Linux Environments

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, OpenSource Solutions Inc.) emphasizes, “To start Python in Linux, it is essential first to verify the installed version using the terminal command `python3 –version`. Most modern distributions come with Python pre-installed, but ensuring the correct version aligns with your project requirements is critical. From there, launching Python interactively via the `python3` command provides an immediate environment for testing and development.”

Rajesh Kumar (DevOps Specialist, CloudTech Innovations) advises, “For users new to Linux, starting Python involves not just running the interpreter but also managing virtual environments to isolate dependencies. Utilizing `python3 -m venv myenv` followed by activating the environment ensures a clean workspace. This approach prevents conflicts and is considered best practice in professional development workflows on Linux systems.”

Linda Chen (Python Developer and Linux Advocate, CodeCraft Academy) states, “Launching Python scripts on Linux is straightforward once the environment is set up. Make sure your script has executable permissions with `chmod +x script.py` and include the shebang line `#!/usr/bin/env python3` at the top. Executing `./script.py` in the terminal then runs the script directly, which is a fundamental skill for efficient Python development on Linux.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I check if Python is already installed on my Linux system?
Open the terminal and type `python3 –version` or `python –version`. If Python is installed, the version number will be displayed. Otherwise, you will receive a command not found error.

What is the command to start the Python interpreter in Linux?
Type `python3` in the terminal and press Enter. This launches the Python interactive shell where you can execute Python commands directly.

How can I install Python on a Linux distribution like Ubuntu?
Use the package manager by running `sudo apt update` followed by `sudo apt install python3`. This installs the latest Python 3 version available in the repository.

How do I run a Python script from the Linux terminal?
Navigate to the directory containing your script and execute `python3 script_name.py`. Replace `script_name.py` with the actual filename.

Can I use different Python versions on Linux simultaneously?
Yes, by installing multiple Python versions and managing them with tools like `pyenv` or using virtual environments to isolate project dependencies.

How do I exit the Python interpreter in Linux?
Type `exit()` or press `Ctrl+D` to exit the Python interactive shell and return to the terminal prompt.
Starting Python in Linux is a straightforward process that begins with ensuring Python is installed on your system. Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed, but verifying the installation and version using commands like `python3 –version` is essential. If Python is not installed, it can be easily added through the system’s package manager, such as `apt` for Debian-based systems or `yum` for Red Hat-based systems.

Once Python is installed, you can start the interpreter by simply typing `python3` in the terminal, which opens an interactive shell for executing Python commands in real time. For running Python scripts, you can use the command `python3 scriptname.py`. Additionally, setting up a virtual environment is recommended for managing project-specific dependencies and avoiding conflicts between packages.

Understanding how to navigate the Linux terminal and basic command-line operations is crucial for effectively working with Python in this environment. Leveraging integrated development environments (IDEs) or text editors configured for Python can further enhance productivity. Overall, mastering these foundational steps empowers users to efficiently develop and run Python applications on Linux systems.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.