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![Kay Fuen](https://uploads.teamtreehouse.com/production/profile-photos/11538437/micro_20200306_142539.jpg)
Kay Fuen
1,144 Pointshow 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](https://uploads.teamtreehouse.com/production/profile-photos/969492/micro_tool_chess_set_2.jpg)
Steven Parker
230,688 PointsWith 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.