console

The console is the text-based interface used for interacting with your computer’s operating system and running Python programs. In Python programming, it serves two main purposes:

  1. Command Line Interface (CLI): Where you execute Python scripts, manage packages with pip, and interact with the Python interpreter via the REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop).
  2. Output Display: Where your program’s text output appears, including print statements, error messages, and interactive input/output operations.

The console is also referred to as the “terminal”, “command prompt” (on Windows), or “shell”. The Python interactive shell (REPL) is a special type of console that lets you write and test Python code line by line.

Tutorial

The Python Standard REPL: Try Out Code and Ideas Quickly

The Python REPL gives you instant feedback as you code. Learn to use this powerful tool to type, run, debug, edit, and explore Python interactively.

intermediate tools

For additional information on related topics, take a look at the following resources:


By Dan Bader • Updated Sept. 11, 2025