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.. _running-your-program:

Running your Program
====================



.. only:: cxx

    Running your freshly built program
    ==================================
    
    
    This section is mostly intended for the Python version of the manual. If you
    are a C++ user, your program should run without problems from your IDE or just
    starting it up from your operating system. If the program doesn't run and it
    produces an error message about missing libraries check that your PATH
    environment variable contains the directory of the Panda runtime. For more
    information review the Installing Panda section that applies to your OS.




.. only:: python

    Using Command Prompt to Run your Program
    ========================================
    
    
    You can run your script by using your computer’s ‘Command Prompt’. You access
    this by clicking ‘Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt’, or by
    going to 'Start > Run' and typing 'cmd'. When it opens, it should look
    something like this:
    
    .. figure:: pic086uq.jpg
       :alt: pic086uq.jpg
    
    At the moment it’s pointing to its default directory, which in my case is
    ‘Documents and Settings’ (it doesn’t matter if yours is different). We need to
    change the directory to the one where we saved our script. To do this, we type
    cd. This stands for ‘change directory’. So type the following text behind the
    > symbol.
    
    ::
        
        cd C:\Panda3D-1.6.2\mystuff\
    
    
    
    Instead of version 1.6.2, you should type the version number of Panda that you
    have downloaded and installed. Please note that this folder name is case
    sensitive and must match exactly (other than the version number, of course).
    Then press the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard. You should now have the following
    on the Command Prompt:
    
    .. figure:: pic093tn.jpg
       :alt: pic093tn.jpg
    
    This means that it’s now pointing to the right directory. To run your script,
    and start Panda3D, type the following text behind the > symbol:
    
    ::
        
        ppython myscript.py
    
    
    
    .. figure:: pic108ge.jpg
       :alt: pic108ge.jpg
    
    Press the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard. This will run the special version of
    Python that is distributed with Panda3D. If all is well, Panda3D will start
    and you should see the main rendering window appear.
    
    .. figure:: EmptyPandaWindow.jpg
       :alt: EmptyPandaWindow.jpg
    
    This is a empty program, it won't do anything. The next step is to add
    additional commands to the program, as described in one of the following
    tutorials.