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Once a program is written, it can be executed. This means that the computer will read the text of the program line by line, and perform each step.
A picture of a program’s source code, with an arrow pointing downward next to it.
We say that a program is “Run” or “Executed”.
A list of the terminology, showing the words “Run” and “Executed”.
An annotation on the word “Executed” reads: “Although it may sound like a synonym, to “kill” a program means to end it (the opposite of “executing” it!)”
Python is two things: First, as a programming language it is a set of rules for writing Python programs. Second, it is a program that can execute programs written in the Python programming language.
On the left, the subtitle “Programming Languages” with a list of snippets of Python language rules like “Each statement should…” and “You cannot begin a variable with…”
On the right, an icon for Python source code is shown being transformed into an icon for a Python executable file via an arrow.
Technically, you can write programs in a text editor and then run them with Python separately. However, most programmers use a Programming Environment that makes it very easy to write programs and then press a single button to run them.
Screenshot of the Thonny programming environment, with speech bubbles annotating the Run Button, the program editor, and the console.
When you write a Python program, you are really just writing some text. That text needs to be valid Python text, following all of it syntax rules. But that means its not that different from an essay you might write in english.
On the left, a picture of Python source code file
On the right, an essay on the Natural History of Corallines, whatever that is.