How to run a python script from IDLE interactive shell?

Question

How do I run a python script from within the IDLE interactive shell?

The following throws an error:

>>> python helloworld.py
SyntaxError: i         


        

Answer 1

The IDLE shell window is not the same as a terminal shell (e.g. running sh or bash). Rather, it is just like being in the Python interactive interpreter (python -i). The easiest way to run a script in IDLE is to use the Open command from the File menu (this may vary a bit depending on which platform you are running) to load your script file into an IDLE editor window and then use the Run -> Run Module command (shortcut F5).