PY File: Read, Edit and Run Python Source

Quick facts

Extension

.py

Format

Python Source File

Category

system

MIME type

Unknown

Standard / developer

Python Software Foundation

Open with

Visual Studio Code

What is PY?

Python source is readable text whose indentation, statements and encoding follow Python’s language rules. Reading a .py file in an editor is different from passing it to an interpreter. This guide covers Python source, not unrelated files that happen to use the same suffix.

How to open PY

Use an editor to read unfamiliar scripts. Invoking Python executes the file.

Common uses and compatibility

• Store Python scripts that the interpreter can execute.
• Read and edit program source with syntax-aware editor support.

Things to check

• An editor alone does not provide the Python interpreter required to run code.
• An encoding or indentation error can prevent Python from parsing otherwise readable source.

Technical details

Signature

Unknown

Encoding

UTF-8 by default in Python 3; a source-encoding declaration can specify another encoding

Container

Unknown

Compression

Unknown

Python 3.13 Language Reference

How to open a PY file without running it

Open the file from inside a text editor. Avoid Run, Debug and terminal execution while you are only reading code from an unfamiliar source.

1. Keep the original file and open a copy through Visual Studio Code’s File > Open File command.
2. Read the source before using any Run or Debug action. Select Python language support if you want syntax highlighting.
3. Save edits as plain text with the .py extension; preserve indentation and check the source encoding.

Sources: Visual Studio Code: Python editing and interpreter selection · Python 3.13: using the interpreter

How do I run a Python script?

For code you trust, select an installed interpreter and run the script through your development environment or terminal. Python’s documentation describes passing a script filename to the interpreter. This executes the source; it is not a preview.

python3 hello.py

Sources: Python 3.13: using the interpreter · Visual Studio Code: Python editing and interpreter selection

Why does a PY file open as text or close immediately?

Opening it as text is appropriate when you want to inspect or edit source. To see program output and errors, run trusted code in an existing terminal or the editor’s terminal rather than relying on a filename association.

Sources: Visual Studio Code: Python editing and interpreter selection · Python 3.13: using the interpreter

What encoding does a Python source file use?

Python 3 defaults to UTF-8 unless a valid source-encoding declaration specifies another encoding. Preserve the declaration and indentation when editing; changing whitespace can change program structure.

Sources: Python 3.13: lexical analysis and source encoding

Can I rename a PY file to EXE?

Renaming leaves the Python source unchanged. An interpreter executes source text; a Windows executable has a different structure. Ask the software author for a supported application package when you need a standalone program.

Sources: Python 3.13: using the interpreter · Python 3.13: lexical analysis and source encoding

Related formats

• VBScript File

  Both contain program source, but Python and VBScript require different runtimes.

• JavaScript Object Notation

  Python programs may use JSON data; JSON data is not Python program source.

• TOML

  TOML stores configuration rather than executable Python source.