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![K Adam](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a1f90a0826fa1fbc585cae47dd0a07a2?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fecs-static.teamtreehouse.com%2Fassets%2Fcontent%2Fdefault_avatar-445fbbabfc8dc9188fb5967fe43322ee0c3e0dd1e10f378bf8343784af5a13eb.webp&r=pg)
K Adam
497 PointsI don't understand why we are now using "python -i?" in the interactive shell. What does it do differently than old way
So previously we used the interactive shell by typing in python and then the file name.
Now there's this "-I" that I don't understand what it does or why it should be used?
1 Answer
![Steven Parker](https://uploads.teamtreehouse.com/production/profile-photos/969492/micro_tool_chess_set_2.jpg)
Steven Parker
230,688 PointsTyping just "python" and a script name runs the script, and then the python exits.
The "-i" option leaves python running in interactive mode after the script ends.