Whenever I enter the name of the python script alone, separate cmd window opens

Hello! I've been having quite a perplexing problem recently.

Whenever I enter the name of a python script on its own at the command prompt, e.g. >abc.py, a separate terminal window opens. However, when I enter >python abc.py, it remains in the same window without opening a new one... I'm quite confused as to why this is happening. Could it be that I recently reinstalled Windows to attempt to fix recurring Bluetooth problems, and downloaded Python from the Microsoft Store instead of the Python website?

I hope you have answered the question already. If not and since no one else is responding I will offer a guess. And since you say Microsoft Store I will assume this is Windows. I am not extensively familiar with Python but I do understand Windows consoles, also called command prompts, and corresponding processes.

I think that Python associates the py extension with py.exe and the behavior you are getting is the result of py.exe. When you execute python (it is a different program) as a command then python executes in the same console. I am not sure but I think that is a likely explanation.

Also see What is the difference between 'py' and 'python' in the Windows terminal? - Stack Overflow.

Edited by SamHobbs, 22 December 2022 - 05:31 AM.