How to launch python scripts from Windows Shell?

Question

I would like to launch a python script (file.py)

In order to do this I copied the path of this file in the Python interpreter but I get the error SyntaxError: unexpected character after line continuation character

I am beginner and this is the simplest way to launch Python script I found so far... If you have a simpler way I'm open to tips...

Thank you

Here's my Python script:

import os
import csv
ACCEPTED_MSG="""
Hi {},
We are thrilled to let you know that you are accepted to our 
programming workshop.
Your coach is {}.
Can't wait to see you there ! 
Thank you,
Workshop Organizers
"""
REJECTED_MSG="""
Hi {},
We are verry sorry to let you know that due to a big number
of applications we couldn't fit you at the workshop this time...
We hope to see you next time.
Thank you, 
Workshop Organizers
"""
path_to_file = "C:/Users/Julien/Downloads/data.csv"
file_exists = os.path.exists(path_to_file)
if file_exists:
 csv_file = open(path_to_file)
 csv_reader = csv.reader(csv_file, delimiter=',')
 next(csv_reader)
 for row in csv_reader:
 name, email, accepted, coach, language = row
 print (name, email, accepted, coach, language)
 if accepted =='Yes':
 msg = ACCEPTED_MSG.format(name, coach)
 else:
 msg = REJECTED_MSG.format(name)
 print ("Send e-mail to: {}".format(email))
 print("E-mail content:")
 print (msg)
csv_file.close()

• Ahmed Fasih: On the command line, run python file.py.

Answer 1

You can run

python<version> <path>

Example:

Python3 test.py

from your error seems like you ran it correctly but the code contains compilation error. Add the code snippet so we can see where is the problem

• bruno desthuilliers: I think that the SyntaxError comes from the OP actually trying to use the python shell as a system shell ;)
• JacopoDT: As suggested by @bruno desthuillers it might was a sintax error from the wrong ommand on the pyShell , make perfectly sense , keep us updated ^^
• Julien Blomme: Does someone know the synthax ? I'm googling this but finding nothing
• JacopoDT: Systax for what? Didn't our answer solved your issue?
• Julien Blomme: Syntax to launch a script in the Python interpreter shell ... I think I found useful information I'm reading at the moment ...

Answer 2

If you just want to run a script then the syntax is (from your system__shell, __not the python shell):

$ python path/to/your/script.py

If you want to execute from within an existing python shell, you can run (in the python shell):

>>> execfile("path/to/your/script.py")

• Julien Blomme: >>> python C:\Users\Julien\Desktop\Python\Python 3\CIFG\Python Basics\Reading Da ta From CSV.py File "<stdin>", line 1 python C:\Users\Julien\Desktop\Python\Python 3\CIFG\Python Basics\Reading Da ta From CSV.py ^ SyntaxError: invalid syntax
• bruno desthuilliers: @JulienBlomme sorry I did not made my point clear: the first syntax is to run a script from your system shell, not from within a python shell.

Answer 3

I wasn't able to launch a Python script from the Windows console because I haven't added the variable PATH.

So I added the variable path following this YouTube Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXqTw5eO0Mw

Then, I got an error "No such File or directory found" when I was trying to launch the script. That was because I didn't put a SPACE in the path to the script "C: \ ..." instead of "C:\"

Finally, I had a message "python.exe can't find 'main' module". It was because I needed to save my scripts with the ".py" extension once again.