Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Introducing Lists Using Lists Iteration

how do you know when to use python vs. python -i?

is there a general rule of thumb when to use these initial entries?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,268 Points

With no arguments, these are the same.

When you provide a filename argument, Python will normally run the file and then exit. With the "-i" option, after running the file it will go into prompt mode as if you had not given an argument.