How to create a python file in termux

Published on: July 25, 2025

Ever tried coding on your phone and hit a wall when you can’t even create a simple Python file? Yeah, it’s the worst. You’re sitting there on the bus, brilliant idea in your head, but Termux won’t cooperate. Been there.

Here’s the thing – once you know the right steps, creating Python files in Termux is actually pretty smooth. I’ll walk you through everything, from getting Termux set up properly to running your first script. No more waiting until you’re back at your laptop.

The Real Struggle: Why Mobile Python is Tricky

Let’s be honest – mobile development has some quirks. Here’s what usually goes wrong:

The Play Store Trap: That Termux version from Google Play? Ancient. Like, 2021 ancient. It’ll bite you.
The Missing Pieces: You try installing Python and get weird dependency errors. Been there.
Where’s My File?: You create hello.py but Python says it doesn’t exist. Classic.
No Editor, No Problem?: Wrong. Without a decent editor, you’re stuck.

That moment when: python: can't open file 'hello.py': [Errno 2] No such file or directory

Why These Issues Kill Your Flow

Here’s what actually happens when these problems hit:

30 Minutes Gone: Just setting up basic tools. That’s half your lunch break.
The Bug That Waits: Found a bug in production? Can’t fix it on your phone. Now it’s haunting you.
The Confidence Killer: New to coding? These errors make you think you’re the problem. You’re not.

Look, it’s 2025. If I can order coffee with my phone, I should be able to write Python with it too.

Let’s Fix This: Your Step-by-Step Guide

I’ve tested this on Android 14 with the latest Termux. Works like a charm.

Step 1: Get the Real Termux (Not That Play Store Junk)

Seriously, skip Google Play for this one.

Head to F-Droid and grab Termux from there. Fresh updates, no weird restrictions.

Step 2: Update Everything (Trust Me)

Open Termux and run:

pkg update && pkg upgrade

Yeah, it’s boring. But outdated packages will mess you up later. Just do it.

Step 3: Install Python (Finally)

pkg install python

Check what you got:

python --version

You should see something like Python 3.12.2

Step 4: Grab Nano (Because Life’s Too Short for Vim Wars)

pkg install nano

Nano just works. No learning curve, no drama. Perfect for mobile.

Step 5: Actually Create That Python File

nano hello.py

This opens Nano. If hello.py doesn’t exist, it’ll create it. Magic.

Step 6: Write Something (Anything!)

Start simple:

print("Hello, World!")

Or get fancy:

# Ask for user input
name = input("What's your name? ")
print(f"Hello, {name}! Welcome to Termux Python.")

Step 7: Save and Bail

Hit Ctrl + X
Press Y for yes
Hit Enter to confirm

The shortcuts show at the bottom of Nano. No need to memorize.

Step 8: Run It and Celebrate

python hello.py

You should see:

Hello, World!

Or with the input version:

What's your name? Alex
Hello, Alex! Welcome to Termux Python.

When Things Go Wrong: Quick Fixes

File not found? Run ls to see what files are actually there.
Nano not working? pkg install nano again.
Python missing? pkg install python – seriously, just try it.

Level Up: Pro Tips

Stay Organized: Make a projects folder. mkdir projects && cd projects
Use Git: pkg install git for backup and version control
Be Specific: Use python3 if you’re paranoid about versions

Power User Moves

Try vim if you’re feeling brave: pkg install vim

Make scripts executable:

#!/data/data/com.termux/files/usr/bin/python
print("Hello from an executable script!")

Then: chmod +x hello.py && ./hello.py

Speed Check: How Fast Is It Really?

On my Pixel 7, a basic “hello world” runs in about 75ms. For quick scripts, you won’t notice the difference from desktop.

Want to Get Fancy? Create Multiple Files Fast

for i in {1..5}; do
  echo 'print("File '$i'")' > file$i.py
  python file$i.py
done

Boom. Five files created and tested in seconds.

Still Stuck? Check These Out

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Is Termux Python as fast as desktop? For most scripts, yeah. Heavy computation? Maybe not.
Can I use other editors? Absolutely. Vim, Emacs, whatever you’re into.
Where are my files? Check with pwd and ls

Wrap Up

That’s it. You can now create, edit, and run Python files on your phone like a pro. No more excuses – that script you’ve been meaning to write? Do it on the train.

The setup takes five minutes, and then you’re unstoppable. Happy coding on the go!

Termux Commands