How to Stop a Python Program from Running (If You’re Stuck)

By

To end a Python program, press one of the following key combos depending on your system:

  • CTRL + C on Windows.
  • Control + C on Mac.

This stops your program from running.

How to End the Interactive Python Command-Line Session

To leave the interactive Python command-line session, press:

  • CTRL + Z on Windows.
  • Control + Z on Mac.

Or run the exit() function in your session:

>>> exit()

How to Terminate a Python Script

If you need to end a Python program from the code, use the sys.exit() function.

Before you do that make sure to import the sys library. This is a built-in library that comes with useful functionality, such as the exit() function with which you can terminate a Python program.

Here’s how you can use it:

import sys
sys.exit()

Try running this program and you will see that it terminates the program immediately.

Thanks for reading!

Further Reading

50 Python Interview Questions with Answers

50+ Buzzwords of Web Development