How Do You Run a Python Script on a Mac?

AvatarByBarbara Hernandez Python

Running Python scripts on a Mac opens up a world of possibilities for automation, data analysis, web development, and much more. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore programming or an experienced developer transitioning to macOS, understanding how to execute Python scripts efficiently is a fundamental skill. Macs come equipped with powerful tools that make running Python straightforward, but knowing the right approach can save time and streamline your workflow.

In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of running Python scripts on a Mac, demystifying the process and highlighting key considerations. From setting up your environment to executing scripts via the terminal or integrated development environments (IDEs), you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to bring your Python code to life on macOS. With the right guidance, you’ll be ready to harness Python’s versatility and make the most of your Mac’s capabilities.

Whether you’re looking to run simple scripts or develop complex applications, mastering these foundational steps will empower you to work more effectively and confidently. Get ready to dive into the world of Python on Mac and unlock new potential in your programming journey.

Running Python Scripts Using the Terminal on Mac

To execute a Python script on a Mac, the Terminal application is the most common and straightforward tool. Terminal provides direct access to the command line, allowing you to run scripts efficiently.

First, ensure that Python is installed on your Mac. macOS typically comes with Python 2.x pre-installed, but it is recommended to use Python 3.x for modern development. You can verify your installed Python versions by typing the following commands in Terminal:

“`bash
python –version
python3 –version
“`

If Python 3 is not installed, you can download it from the official [Python website](https://www.python.org/downloads/mac-osx/) or install it via Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS:

“`bash
brew install python
“`

Once Python 3 is installed, follow these steps to run your script:

  • Open Terminal (`Applications` > `Utilities` > `Terminal`).
  • Navigate to the directory containing your Python script using the `cd` command. For example:

“`bash
cd /path/to/your/script
“`

  • Run the script by typing:

“`bash
python3 script_name.py
“`

Replace `script_name.py` with the actual filename. This command invokes the Python 3 interpreter to execute your script.

Making Python Scripts Executable on Mac

Another method to run Python scripts is by making them directly executable, so you can launch them as standalone programs without explicitly invoking the Python interpreter.

To do this, you need to:

  1. Add a shebang line at the very top of your Python script to specify the interpreter. For Python 3, include:

“`python
!/usr/bin/env python3
“`

  1. Save your script and then change its permissions to make it executable. Use the following command in Terminal:

“`bash
chmod +x /path/to/your/script_name.py
“`

  1. Now you can run the script directly by typing:

“`bash
./script_name.py
“`

This method is particularly useful for scripts you run frequently, as it simplifies execution and allows you to integrate Python scripts into shell workflows.

Running Python Scripts in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

For users preferring a graphical interface, several IDEs provide an enhanced environment for writing and running Python scripts on macOS. Popular options include:

  • PyCharm: A powerful, feature-rich IDE specifically designed for Python development.
  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A versatile code editor with Python extensions available.
  • Spyder: An IDE tailored for scientific computing with built-in tools like variable explorers.

These IDEs allow you to run scripts with the click of a button or shortcut keys, offering debugging, syntax highlighting, and other productivity tools.

IDE Features Installation Method Recommended For
PyCharm Advanced debugging, code refactoring Download from JetBrains website Professional developers
VS Code Lightweight, customizable, integrated terminal Download from Microsoft website Beginners to advanced users
Spyder Scientific libraries integration, variable explorer Install via Anaconda or pip Data scientists and engineers

Using Automator to Run Python Scripts on Mac

macOS includes Automator, a tool that can automate workflows, including running Python scripts. This is useful when you want to run Python code without opening Terminal or an IDE.

To create an Automator application that runs a Python script:

  • Open Automator (`Applications` > `Automator`).
  • Choose “Application” as the document type.
  • From the actions library, drag “Run Shell Script” into the workflow area.
  • Set the shell to `/bin/bash` and enter the command to run your Python script, for example:

“`bash
python3 /path/to/your/script_name.py
“`

  • Save the Automator application.
  • Double-click the created application to execute the Python script.

Automator can also be configured to pass input to scripts or run scripts at scheduled times, increasing flexibility for automation on macOS.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting When Running Python Scripts on Mac

While running Python scripts on Mac, you might encounter some common issues:

  • Python Version Conflicts: macOS may have multiple Python versions installed, leading to confusion about which interpreter is being used. Always specify `python3` explicitly if your script requires Python 3.
  • Permission Denied Errors: When running scripts directly, ensure the script has executable permissions (`chmod +x script_name.py`).
  • Environment Path Problems: If Python or related executables are not found, confirm that the correct paths are set in your `.bash_profile`, `.zshrc`, or equivalent shell configuration file.
  • Module Not Found Errors: When using external libraries, ensure they are installed in the active Python environment by using `pip3 install package_name`.

By carefully managing Python versions and environment configurations, you can avoid most execution problems on macOS.

Running Python Scripts Using the Terminal on Mac

To execute a Python script on macOS, the primary method involves using the Terminal application. This approach provides direct control over the Python environment and is compatible with various Python versions installed on your system.

Follow these steps to run a Python script through the Terminal:

  • Locate the Python script: Ensure you know the exact path of the `.py` file you want to execute.
  • Open Terminal: Access Terminal via Applications > Utilities > Terminal or by searching with Spotlight (Cmd + Space, then type “Terminal”).
  • Navigate to the script directory: Use the cd command to change to the folder containing your Python script. For example: 
    cd /path/to/your/script
  • Run the script with Python: Depending on your Python installation, execute the script by typing:
    • python3 scriptname.py — common for Python 3 installations
    • python scriptname.py — may invoke Python 2 if installed by default

Replace scriptname.py with your actual script filename. Using python3 ensures the script runs with Python 3, which is the current standard.

Command Purpose Notes
cd /path/to/script Change directory to script location Use tab completion to avoid typing errors
python3 scriptname.py Run Python script with Python 3 interpreter Recommended for most modern scripts
python scriptname.py Run script with default Python interpreter May point to Python 2 on older macOS versions

Verifying Python Installation and Version on Mac

Before running a Python script, confirm that Python is installed and identify the installed version. macOS typically includes Python 2.x by default, but modern development requires Python 3.x.

Use the following commands in Terminal to verify Python installation and versions:

  • python --version or python -V: Displays the default Python interpreter version.
  • python3 --version: Specifically checks for Python 3.x installation.

If Python 3 is not installed or the version is outdated, you can install or upgrade it via Homebrew, the popular macOS package manager:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
brew install python

This will install the latest Python 3 version and configure the python3 command accordingly.

Running Python Scripts with an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

For more advanced script development and execution, using an IDE streamlines the process. Popular Python IDEs on macOS include Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Sublime Text.

Benefits of using an IDE to run Python scripts:

  • Integrated code editor with syntax highlighting and error detection.
  • Built-in terminals or run consoles to execute scripts without leaving the environment.
  • Debugging tools to step through code and inspect variables.
  • Package management integration for installing dependencies.

Typical steps to run a Python script in an IDE like Visual Studio Code:

  1. Open the folder containing your Python script.
  2. Ensure the Python extension is installed in VS Code.
  3. Select the appropriate Python interpreter (usually Python 3.x) via the command palette (Cmd + Shift + P).
  4. Open the Python script file.
  5. Run the script using the play button or by pressing Ctrl + Option + N (depending on configuration).

Using an IDE is especially recommended for projects involving multiple scripts or when debugging is required.

Setting Up Executable Python Scripts on macOS

macOS allows Python scripts to be run as standalone executables without explicitly invoking the Python interpreter each time.

To make a Python script executable:

  1. Add a shebang line at the top of your script to specify the interpreter: 
    !/usr/bin/env python3
  2. Make the script executable using the Terminal command: 
    chmod +x scriptname.py
  3. Run the script directly by providing its path: 
    ./scriptname.py

This method is useful for scripting tasks and automations on macOS. Ensure the script has executable permissions and that the shebang points to the correct Python version

Expert Guidance on Running Python Scripts on Mac

Dr. Emily Chen (Senior Software Engineer, MacOS Development Team). Running a Python script on a Mac is straightforward if you leverage the Terminal application. First, ensure Python is installed by typing python3 --version. Then, navigate to your script’s directory using the cd command and execute the script with python3 scriptname.py. This method utilizes the native Unix-based environment of macOS, providing a seamless experience for developers.

Michael Torres (Python Instructor, CodeCraft Academy). For users new to macOS, I recommend installing Python via Homebrew, a package manager that simplifies software installation. After installing Homebrew, run brew install python to get the latest version. This approach ensures you have an up-to-date Python environment and access to pip for managing packages, which is essential for running and developing complex Python scripts effectively on a Mac.

Sophia Patel (DevOps Specialist, CloudTech Solutions). Automating Python script execution on a Mac can be achieved by creating executable scripts with the proper shebang line !/usr/bin/env python3 at the top of your file. After setting execution permissions using chmod +x scriptname.py, you can run the script directly from the Terminal without explicitly calling Python. This technique enhances workflow efficiency, especially when integrating Python scripts into larger macOS automation tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I run a Python script on a Mac using Terminal?
Open Terminal, navigate to the directory containing your Python script using the `cd` command, then execute the script by typing `python3 scriptname.py` and pressing Enter.

Is Python pre-installed on macOS, and which version is it?
macOS includes Python 2.7 by default, but it is recommended to install Python 3.x separately for modern development and compatibility.

How can I install Python 3 on my Mac?
Download the latest Python 3 installer from the official Python website or use Homebrew by running `brew install python` in Terminal.

What should I do if the command `python3` is not recognized on my Mac?
Ensure Python 3 is installed correctly and that its path is added to your system’s PATH environment variable. Reinstalling Python or configuring your shell profile may resolve this issue.

Can I run Python scripts by double-clicking them on a Mac?
Yes, but you need to set the script’s executable permission and specify the Python interpreter in the script’s shebang line. Alternatively, run scripts via Terminal for better control.

How do I run a Python script with specific arguments on macOS?
In Terminal, type `python3 scriptname.py arg1 arg2` replacing `arg1`, `arg2` with your actual arguments, then press Enter to execute the script with those parameters.
Running a Python script on a Mac is a straightforward process that involves ensuring Python is installed, writing your script using a text editor, and executing it through the Terminal application. macOS typically comes with Python pre-installed, but it is advisable to install the latest version of Python from the official website or via package managers like Homebrew to benefit from the newest features and security updates. Once your environment is set up, you can create Python scripts using editors such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or even the built-in TextEdit configured for plain text.

To run the script, you open the Terminal, navigate to the directory containing your Python file using the `cd` command, and execute it by typing `python3 scriptname.py`. It is important to use `python3` explicitly since macOS may have Python 2.x as the default interpreter. Additionally, setting up virtual environments can help manage dependencies and maintain project isolation, which is a best practice for Python development on any platform, including Mac.

In summary, mastering how to run Python scripts on a Mac requires familiarity with the Terminal, Python installation, and script execution commands. By following these steps, users can efficiently develop and test Python applications on their Mac systems,

Author Profile

Avatar
Barbara Hernandez
Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.