How do I open a Python file in Python IDLE?

Opening a Python file in Python IDLE is straightforward and can be accomplished in two primary ways: either by launching IDLE first and then opening the file from its menu, or by initiating IDLE with the file directly from your operating system's file explorer.

Here's a quick overview of the methods:

Method	Description	Ideal For
From Within IDLE	Launch IDLE, then use the File menu to navigate and open your `.py` file.	When IDLE is already running, or you want to browse files.
From Your Operating System (OS)	Right-click (Windows) or control-click (Mac) on the `.py` file and select IDLE to open it.	Directly opening a specific file, launching IDLE with the file.

Opening a Python File from Within IDLE

This is the most common method when you've already launched IDLE or prefer to browse for your file from within the editor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Launch IDLE: Find and open the Python IDLE application on your computer. This will typically open the Python Shell window.
Access the File Menu: In the IDLE Shell window, go to the top menu bar and click on File.
Select "Open...": From the dropdown menu, choose the Open... option. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+O (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+O (Mac).
Navigate to Your File: A file explorer window will appear. Browse through your folders to locate the Python (.py) file you wish to open.
Select and Open: Click on the desired .py file to highlight it, then click the Open button.

Your Python file will now open in a new IDLE editor window, ready for you to view or edit.

Practical Tip: Recent Files

IDLE keeps track of recently opened files. If you've worked on a file recently, you can quickly access it:

Go to File > Recent Files in the IDLE menu.
Select your file from the list to open it directly.

Opening a Python File from Your Operating System

This method is efficient when you know exactly which file you want to open and prefer to launch IDLE with that file directly.

Step-by-Step Guide

Locate Your Python File: Navigate to the folder containing your Python (.py) file using your operating system's file explorer (e.g., File Explorer on Windows, Finder on macOS).
Right-Click (Windows) or Control-Click (Mac): Position your mouse cursor over the Python file (e.g., my_script.py) and perform the appropriate click:
- Windows: Right-click.
- macOS: Control-click (hold down the Control key and click).
Choose "Open With": A context menu will appear. Look for an option like Open with or Open.
Select Python IDLE:
- If you see Python IDLE or simply IDLE directly in the context menu, select it.
- If not, you might need to select Choose another app or Other..., then browse for and select the Python IDLE application from the list of available programs. Ensure it's set as the default if you want future .py files to open with IDLE by default.

This action will launch IDLE (if it's not already running) and open your selected Python file in a new IDLE editor window.

Ensuring Correct File Association

If IDLE doesn't appear in the "Open with" list, or a different program opens your .py file:

Windows:
1. Right-click the .py file.
2. Select Open with > Choose another app.
3. Select Python IDLE.
4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .py files."
5. Click OK.
macOS:
1. Control-click the .py file.
2. Select Get Info.
3. In the "Open with" section, choose IDLE from the dropdown.
4. Click Change All... to apply this setting to all .py files.

Common Tips for Working with IDLE

Saving Changes: After editing, always save your file by going to File > Save or using Ctrl+S / Cmd+S.
Running Code: To execute the code in your open file, go to Run > Run Module (or press F5) from the editor window. The output will appear in the IDLE Shell.
Explore Documentation: For more in-depth information about IDLE's features and functionalities, refer to the official Python documentation on IDLE.