Question

On your own computer or on a lab computer, find the exact location (folder or directory name) of a. The sample file hello.py, which you wrote with the editor. b. The Python program launcher python or python, exe.

Short answer

Find 'hello.py' using File Explorer search and note its directory. Use 'where python' in Command Prompt to find Python's location.

Step-by-step solution

Open the File Explorer

In order to find the location of a file on your computer, you first need to open the File Explorer. This can be done by clicking on the folder icon usually found on your taskbar or by pressing the keyboard shortcut 'Windows + E' for Windows computers.

Search for the File hello.py

In the File Explorer window, use the search bar to search for 'hello.py'. Ensure you are searching the entire system or the directory you suspect you saved the file in. Wait until the search is completed and locate the file in the search results.

Locate and Note the Directory

Once 'hello.py' appears in the search results, right-click the file and select 'Open file location'. This will take you to the folder where the file is saved. Note down the directory path shown in the address bar of File Explorer.

Open the Command Prompt for Python Directory

Open Command Prompt by typing 'cmd' in the Windows search bar and pressing 'Enter'. This will open the Command Prompt window where you can find the location of the Python launcher.

Find the Python or Python.exe Location

In the Command Prompt, type 'where python' and press 'Enter'. This command will display the full path of the 'python' executable on your system. Ensure you note this path.

Key concepts

Python file location

Finding the location of a specific file, such as a Python script named `hello.py`, is an essential skill for managing your files efficiently. To locate this file, you first need to access the File Explorer on your computer. You can open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or by using the keyboard shortcut 'Windows + E'.
Once you have File Explorer open, use the search bar located at the top right corner of the window. Enter the name of the file you are looking for, in this case, 'hello.py'. Make sure that your search scope is set to either the entire system or where you suspect you saved the file initially.
After the search is completed, you will see a list of results. Locate 'hello.py' in the search results, right-click on it, and choose 'Open file location'. This will direct you to the folder where the file is stored. The directory path will be visible at the top of the window in the address bar; be sure to note it down for reference.

Using command prompt

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows you to execute commands and perform various tasks directly from your keyboard. It is also helpful for finding the location of system files or executables like the Python launcher.
To open the Command Prompt, simply type 'cmd' in the Windows search bar and press 'Enter'. This opens a new window where you can enter any command. One of the most useful commands is 'where', which helps locate any file or executable that is in your system's PATH.
For example, to find the location of the Python executable, type `where python` into the Command Prompt and press 'Enter'. This will display the full path of every Python executable that can be found in the directories specified by your system's PATH environment variable. Once you have this information, you can use it for configuring IDEs, debugging programs, or understanding your system setup better.

File Explorer search

The File Explorer search feature is a convenient tool for quickly locating files within your computer. Whether you're looking for a document, an image, or a script like `hello.py`, File Explorer can streamline your search process.
Upon opening File Explorer, you will see the search bar at the top right of the window. By typing the name of the file you are looking for, such as 'hello.py', File Explorer will search through your files and folders to find matches. Make sure your search settings or scope cover the most relevant directories, whether it's an entire drive or a specific folder.
The search results in File Explorer are generally organized by relevance and can be sorted by other criteria such as date modified or file type. When you find your file, right-clicking on it gives you the option to 'Open file location', which is useful to directly access and manage the directory where the file resides.

Locating Python executable

Knowing the location of your Python executable is crucial for setting up your development environment and running scripts correctly. The Python executable, usually named `python.exe` on Windows or `python` on Unix-based systems, is the file that actually runs your Python scripts.
To locate this file, you can use a Windows feature like Command Prompt. Once opened by typing 'cmd' into the search bar, enter `where python` at the command line. This will show you one or more paths to the Python executables installed on your computer.
Identifying these paths is especially important when working with multiple Python installations. It helps avoid version conflicts by allowing you to specify the correct executable for your project. Additionally, knowing the location of your Python executable can assist in troubleshooting issues concerning PATH setup and helps ensure your scripts are running from the correct Python installation.