How to Run a Python Project: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Python, driving over 28% of global software projects in 2025, stands out for its simplicity and extensive standard libraries. It is favored for its compatibility with major frameworks like Django and Flask. 

Compared to languages like Java and C++, Python offers faster development cycles. Its concise syntax and dynamic typing make it ideal for tasks ranging from automation to data analysis and machine learning. 

This guide will help you break down Python’s down script structure, installation, and execution. It will also provide you with practical steps on how to run a python project effectively in any environment.

How to Run a Python Project? Understanding Python Script Structure and Execution

Python scripting accelerates prototyping and automates workflows across industries. Its ecosystem of libraries, such as TensorFlow for machine learning and Flask for web development, allows developers to build and deploy solutions across domains rapidly. 

File Structure of Python Project: Let’s start by looking at the file structure of a Python project. In larger projects, the code is often organized into packages, which are essentially folders that can contain other packages or modules. 

These packages are accessed using dot notation, where the parent package is listed before the child package (e.g., parent.child).

Next, let’s dive into how Python runs code. 

Although Python is known as an interpreted language, it still involves a compilation step. Python code is first converted into bytecode, which is a lower-level representation of the code. 

However, the CPU can't execute bytecode directly. This is where the Python Virtual Machine (PVM) comes in—it interprets the bytecode and converts it into instructions the CPU can understand and execute.

Key components of Python scripting include:

• Root Directory: Contains the main script or entry point (e.g., main.py).
• Modules: Individual Python files (.py) with reusable code.
• Packages: Directories with an __init__.py file to indicate a package.
• Resources: Subdirectories for static assets like configurations, images, or datasets.
• Tests: Dedicated folder for test scripts to ensure code quality.

Python’s execution ensures platform independence and efficient output generation. 

Here's a detailed breakdown of the stages with examples for better understanding:

1. Syntax Checking

The Python interpreter first scans the code for syntax errors. This step ensures the script adheres to Python’s grammar rules, such as proper indentation, correct use of colons, and valid variable names.

Example: If the script contains:

def greet()  
    print("Hello, World!") 

The interpreter will throw a SyntaxError due to the missing colon after greet().

2. Internal Compilation

If the syntax is valid, Python converts the source code (.py file) into an intermediate bytecode (.pyc file). Bytecode acts as an optimized, platform-independent representation of the code.

Purpose: Bytecode ensures the script runs faster during subsequent executions by skipping this step if no changes are detected.

Example: For a simple script like:

print("Processing data...") 

It will generate a corresponding .pyc file stored in the __pycache__ directory.

3. Conversion to Bytecode

The bytecode generated in the previous step is saved in the __pycache__ directory. The filename typically includes details like the Python version used (e.g., script.cpython-310.pyc).

Benefit: Bytecode abstracts hardware-specific details, allowing the same .pyc file to be executed on different machines with the same Python version.

Example: When re-running the script from step 2, the interpreter directly uses the saved bytecode unless the source file changes.

4. Interpretation by Python Virtual Machine (PVM)

The PVM loads the bytecode and executes it line by line. This process involves:

• Allocating memory for variables and objects.
• Interacting with system-level APIs or hardware resources.

Example: For a script that reads a file:

with open('data.txt', 'r') as file:  
    print(file.read())

The PVM handles tasks like opening the file, reading its contents, and managing the memory required for the file object.

5. Output Generation

The final step involves producing the desired output or executing operations specified in the script. This could include printing results, saving data to a file, or sending requests over a network.

Example:

result = [x**2 for x in range(5)]  
print(result)

The PVM generates the output [0, 1, 4, 9, 16] by executing each operation in sequence.

Understanding these stages enables developers to optimize code performance and debug effectively. Additionally, it helps developers appreciate the mechanisms behind Python's flexibility and reliability.

Also Read: 45 Best Python Project Ideas for Beginners in 2025 [Tips & Insights]

Once you’ve learned how to run a python project, ensure you understand script structure and have your environment set up. Let’s start with the implementation of Python.

Python Installation and Setup: Getting Started with Python Development

To begin Python development and understand , the first step is installing Python and setting up the necessary environment on your machine. Python is cross-platform and can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. After implementation of Python, setting up a code editor or IDE will make your development process smoother. 

This section will guide you through the installation process, so you can learn how to run a python project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Python

Installing Python is a critical step in configuring a robust development environment for Python projects. This process involves downloading the appropriate version, configuring system paths, and verifying the installation to ensure compatibility and functionality across platforms.

Here’s how to efficiently set up Python on Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu:

Windows:

• Visit the official Python website.
• Download the latest version for Windows.
• Run the installer and check the "Add Python to PATH" box and click "Install Now."
• Open Command Prompt. Type python --version to check the installation.

Mac:

• Visit the official Python website.
• Download the latest version for macOS.
• Open the .pkg file. Follow the installation instructions.
• Open Terminal and type python3 --version to verify installation.

Ubuntu:

• Open a terminal window.
• Type sudo apt update which will update the package lists.
• You can install Python by running: sudo apt install python3.
• Check the installation by typing python3 --version.

Once Python is installed, you can also install a virtual environment for managing dependencies and isolating your project’s environment.

Also Read: Python For Loop Statement

Writing and Understanding Your First Python Program

This section introduces you to writing your first Python script, a simple "Hello, World!" program. You'll learn the basic syntax and how to run a Python script on your system.

Let’s get started:

# Simple Python script: Hello World
print("Hello, World!")

Explanation: The print() function is used to output text to the console. In this case, it outputs "Hello, World!" to the screen. This program is the simplest way to begin programming in Python, allowing you to verify that your installation is working correctly.

To run the program:

1. Save the code in a file named hello.py.
2. Open Command Prompt (Terminal on Mac).
3. Go to the directory where the script is saved.
4. Type python hello.py (or python3 hello.py on Mac and Linux) to execute the script.

The output will be:

Hello, World!

This demonstrates the ease of writing and running Python programs, even for beginners.

Also Read: Essential Skills and a Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Python Developer

Once your implementation of Python is done and the environment is ready, running a Python project involves choosing the right method based on your workflow and tools.

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How to Run a Python Project in Various Environments?

Running a Python project can be done in multiple ways, depending on the development environment you are using. Whether you're working in the command line, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), or interactively via the Python interpreter, there are methods suited for every need. This section explains how to run a python project across various platforms and environments.

How to Run a Python Project using Command Line?

Running Python projects from the command line offers multiple efficient methods for executing scripts, including troubleshooting common issues. 

For instance, Windows users may encounter the "Python not recognized as an internal command" error, which can typically be resolved by adding Python to the system PATH. 

This involves editing the environment variables to include the paths to both the Python installation directory and its Scripts folder. By understanding these command-line techniques and potential pitfalls, developers can streamline their Python project execution process.

Below are different ways to run Python projects using the command line. 

How to Run a Python Project Using Python Command

To run a Python script, open your terminal or command prompt and use the python command followed by the script's filename.

python script.py

Explanation: This command executes the script script.py in the current directory. Ensure Python is installed and added to your system’s PATH.

How to Run a Python Project Using Script's Filename Directly

You can also run a Python script by specifying its full path.

 python /path/to/script.py

Explanation: Replace /path/to/script.py with the actual location of the Python script. This method is useful when the script is not in your current directory.

Running Module with -m Option

You can run a Python module directly using the -m option.

python -m module_name

Explanation: This allows you to run Python modules as if they were standalone scripts. For example, you can run python -m http.server to start a simple HTTP server.

Also Read: 12 Amazing Real-World Applications of Python

How to Run a Python Project Interactively?

Python offers two modes of interactive execution: Script Mode and REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop).

How to Run a Python Project in Script Mode

Running Python scripts in script mode involves executing a .py file directly, which is the most common method for running larger programs or applications. This mode allows for command-line execution, accepting command-line arguments, and using shebang lines on Unix-like systems. 

It also enables module-specific behavior through the __name__ variable, returning exit codes, and often provides better performance for larger programs compared to interactive mode. 

Most IDEs offer integrated features for running and debugging scripts in this mode, making it a versatile choice for various development scenarios.

python script.py

Explanation: This method runs the script from top to bottom, as a normal program.

How to Run a Python Project in REPL Mode

You can run Python code interactively by entering the Python interpreter. Type python in your terminal, and it will open the Python shell where you can execute individual lines of code. 

This interactive environment, known as REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop), is useful for quick testing and learning. 

For more advanced interactive sessions, tools like Jupyter Notebook provide a rich environment with features such as in-line plotting, markdown support, and the ability to save and share your work. 

These tools enhance the interactive coding experience, making them particularly valuable for data analysis, scientific computing, and exploratory programming.

python
>>> def greet():
>>>     print("Hello, World!")
>>> greet()

Explanation: This allows you to execute Python commands interactively, and it’s useful for quick testing or debugging.

Also Read: 45 Best Python Project Ideas for Beginners in 2025 [Tips & Insights]

How to Run a Python Project Using Python Code?

You can also run Python projects programmatically by importing or dynamically executing Python code within a script.

Using the Import Statement

You can import a module or a file and run the code from another file.

 import mymodule
mymodule.my_function()

Explanation: This method allows you to execute code from another Python file. In this example, my_function() from the mymodule file is executed.

Using importlib

For dynamic importing of modules, Python provides importlib.

 import importlib
module = importlib.import_module('mymodule')
module.my_function()

Explanation: This dynamically imports the module and runs its code, allowing for more flexibility in loading code during runtime.

Using exec() Function

The exec() function lets you dynamically create Python code.

code = "print('Hello from exec!')"
exec(code)

Explanation: This method executes the code stored in a string. It’s useful for situations where you need to run dynamically generated code.

Also Read: Top 10 Advantages of Using Python Scripts

How to Run a Python Project on IDE?

IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) like PyCharm, IDLE, and Thonny are great for running and debugging Python projects. However, for larger, more complex projects, IDEs like PyCharm or VSCode offer advanced features. These include debugging tools, integrated version control, and support for virtual environments, which are suitable for scalable development. However, IDLE is simpler and better suited for smaller scripts but lacks these advanced capabilities. 

Here's how to run your Python project in some popular IDEs:

1. PyCharm

• Open PyCharm to create a new project or open an existing one.
• Right-click the script you want to run and select Run.
• Alternatively, you can press Shift + F10 to run the project.

2. IDLE

• Open IDLE and create a new file or open an existing Python script.
• Press F5 to run the script in the IDLE shell.

3. Thonny

• Open Thonny IDE and load your Python script.
• Press the Run button or use F5 to execute the script.

Also Read: Top Python IDEs: Choosing the Best IDE for Your Python Development Needs

How to Run a Python Project using File Manager?

In some cases, you can use your operating system's file manager to run Python scripts. Here’s how:

1. Windows:

• Navigate to the folder containing the script using File Explorer.
• Double-click the .py file, and it will execute if Python is installed correctly.

2. Mac/Linux:

• Go to the folder containing the script using File Explorer.
• Double-click the .py file, and it will execute if Python is installed correctly.
• Right-click the file and select Open with Python or run it from the terminal with python script.py.

These methods provide you with flexible options for running Python projects depending on your workflow and environment. Whether you prefer working in a terminal, IDE, or dynamically through code, Python offers the tools necessary to execute your projects efficiently.

Also Read: Top 10 Reasons Why Python is So Popular With Developers in 2025

Mastering Python project workflows can open doors to numerous career opportunities. upGrad offers resources to help you take your skills to the next level.

How upGrad Can Help You Advance Your Career in Python?

upGrad’s courses emphasize practical skills in running Python projects across various environments. You'll learn to execute Python scripts for data analysis, automation, web development, and machine learning. This approach builds a solid foundation in programming and problem-solving. It prepares you for real-world applications of Python in diverse professional settings.

Here are some relevant ones you can check out:

• Master of Design in User Experience
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps
• AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course by IIITB
• Professional Certificate Program in UI/UX Design & Design Thinking
• Object Oriented Analysis and Design for Beginners

You can also get personalized career counseling with upGrad to guide your career path, or visit your nearest upGrad center and start hands-on training today! 

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