How to Launch a Script from Any Directory with Python

Question

Currently, in order to launch all my python scripts from the terminal I have to go to the relative folder and use

$ python myscript.py

to launch the script. How can I make it so that I can just type

$ myscript

to launch that script, no matter what folder I'm currently in?

Depends on your operating system. Please tag your question accordingly. — martineau
– martineau, Commented Jul 25, 2019 at 15:38
If you're a Linux user check the last part there: openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/… — Flo
– Flo, Commented Jul 25, 2019 at 15:38

Gerardo Zinno · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-18 22:01:58Z

3

Assuming you are using linux/macos

Now if you are in the same directory of the script you can run it simply with the command ./myscript.py.

To be able to run the script, no matter what directory you are in:

move the script into a directory listed inside the $PATH environment variable, like /usr/local/bin, or make a directory ad-hoc for your scripts and add that dir to the PATH variable

You can now call your script by just typing its name in the terminal.

answered Jul 25, 2019 at 15:50

Gerardo Zinno

1,8021 gold badge19 silver badges40 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

With echo $PATH you can see what dir's are in the path and move the script there

Umesh · Accepted Answer · 2019-07-25 16:06:19Z

2

You can use alias in your bash_profile for mac or bashrc in linux.

.bash_profile

alias myscript="python /<dir_where_file_is_located>/myscript.py"

once alias is added then reload it

source ~/.bash_profile

Now you can by just type myscript and enter.

$ myscript

answered Jul 25, 2019 at 16:01

Umesh

9715 silver badges12 bronze badges