Python on Windows

Working with the interactive shell on Windows

Windows has a slightly different shell/Terminal environment than the Macs. However, you can do everything we'll need to for this class on Windows as well.

To run the command-line interpreter for Windows, go to Start->Run and type "cmd". (If "Run" isn't an option under the Start menu see the directions here). Alternatively, you can go Start->Accessories->Command Prompt.

This should start Windows' command-line program, which has similar functionality to Terminal on Windows:

"cd" changes directories (just like "cd" in Terminal)
"dir" lists the directories (equivalent of "ls")
there is no equivalent of "pwd", but on Windows your current path is shown in your prompt

Depending on how Python was installed, you should just be able to type "python" when you're in the command-prompt program and it will run Python, just like we saw in class. If this doesn't work, follow the directions here for getting Python working within the command prompt.

If you have any problems, I'd be happy to help you figure this out.