How to Use Python to Run Python 3 Scripts instead of Python3

How to Use Python 3 to Run Python Scripts

Step 1: Verify Python 3 Installation

First, ensure that Python 3 is installed on your system. Open a terminal and type the following command:

python3 --version

You should see an output similar to this:

Python 3.x.x

If Python 3 is not installed, follow the instructions for your operating system to install it.

Step 2: Running a Python Script with Python 3

To run a Python script using Python 3, use the following command format:

python3 your_script.py

For example, if your script is named mc_client.py, you would run:

python3 mc_client.py

Step 3: Setting Python 3 as the Default Version

If you want to ensure that you are always using Python 3 when you type python, you can create an alias in your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc or .bash_profile).

1. Open your shell configuration file in a text editor. For example, to open .bashrc:

   nano ~/.bashrc
   

2. Add the following line to the file:

   alias python='python3'
   

3. Save the file and exit the text editor.

4. Refresh your shell configuration by running:

   source ~/.bashrc
   

or

```bash
source ~/.bash_profile
```

Now, typing python will use Python 3 by default.