Guide · Open source
How to use Python: clone the examples repo and run small scripts
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
This guide shows you how to use the geekcomputers/Python repository, a collection of small, independent Python scripts written as experiments and everyday helpers. It is aimed at beginners who want to read short, practical code. By the end you will be able to clone the repo, check the prerequisites, and pick and run a script for a narrow task such as batch renaming or checking folder sizes.
Pythongeekcomputers/Python · ★ 35.5k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check your Python version. Confirm you have Python 3.10 or newer installed, as stated by the README badge.
- 2Install Git. Make sure Git is available in your terminal so you can clone the repository.
- 3Clone the repository. Run the git clone command from the README to download all the scripts into a local folder.
- 4Pick a script. Use the numbered list in the README to find the script that matches your task.
- 5Read the code. Open the script and check which files, directories or servers it uses before running it.
- 6Test on a copy. Run the script on a copy of your files first to confirm it does what you expect.
What you need before you start
The README badge lists Python 3.10+ as the requirement, and the install method is clone-and-build with Git. Check your Python version from a terminal before running any script.
The scripts are independent of each other, so you do not install the repo as one application. You pick the script you need and run it.
- Python 3.10 or newer
- Git, to clone the repository
- A terminal to run the scripts
Get the code: clone the repository
Download a local copy of the repository with Git using the clone command from the README. This creates a folder with all the scripts.
git clone https://github.com/geekcomputers/PythonFind the script that matches your task
The README has a numbered list of scripts, each with a one-line description. Scan the list for your task and open that file. Each file covers one narrow job.
Examples from the list include batch_file_rename.py, which renames a group of files in a directory and changes their extensions, and folder_size.py, which scans the current directory and its subdirectories and displays their sizes. Others include xkcd_downloader.py, which downloads the latest XKCD comic into a folder called "comics", and move_files_over_x_days.py, which moves files older than a set number of days.
- batch_file_rename.py: batch rename files and change extensions
- folder_size.py: show sizes for the current directory and subdirectories
- move_files_over_x_days.py: move files over a specified age in days
- xkcd_downloader.py: download the latest XKCD comic into "comics"
- ping_subnet.py: scan a range of an IP subnet for available addresses
Read the script before you run it
Because these are experiments written by one author, read the code first to see which directory, file or server it touches. Several scripts act on files or make network requests, so confirm the behaviour matches what you want. Test on a copy of your files rather than your only copy.
The README notes that the code documentation is aligned for viewing in Notepad++, and the scripts are plain Python source you can open in any editor.
- Check which paths the script reads or changes
- Test on a copy of important files
- Look for network calls before running it on a live server
Learn from the examples
The repo is useful as a reading list. The README says the scripts reduce human workload and serve as educational examples for beginners. Compare how different scripts handle files, directories, text and the terminal.
Some entries show standard-library use, such as timymodule.py, described as an alternative to Python's timeit module, and SimpleStopWatch.py, which uses Python's time module. Others use BeautifulSoup, Selenium or matplotlib, which are third-party packages you would need to install yourself.
- Standard-library examples: SimpleStopWatch.py (time module), timymodule.py (timeit alternative)
- Third-party examples: Google_News.py and Cricket_score.py (BeautifulSoup), whatsapp-monitor.py (Selenium)
- calculator.py shows a calculator built on Python's eval() function
Know the limits of these scripts
The author says they do not consider themselves a programmer and that the scripts are experiments. The scripts are unrelated to each other and vary in quality and style. Some entries link to external repositories, and some reference services such as Twitter and YouTube whose APIs may have changed, so those scripts may not work as written.
If you need a supported, production-grade tool, use a maintained project instead of these scripts.
- Scripts are experiments, not a supported product
- Quality and style vary between files
- Some links point to external repos; check them before relying on them
What people use it for
- Batch renaming a group of files and changing their extensions with batch_file_rename.py
- Checking how much space each folder uses with folder_size.py
- Moving files older than a set number of days with move_files_over_x_days.py
- Checking DNS entries for a list of servers in server_list.txt with nslookup_check.py
- Learning Python by reading short scripts such as the stop watch and calculator examples
Frequently asked questions
Is the geekcomputers Python repo free to use?
The repository is licensed under the MIT License, as shown in the README badge. The README also says the content belongs to the respective authors and creators, so check each script's source before reusing it.
What do I need to install to run these scripts?
The README lists Python 3.10+ as the prerequisite and uses Git to clone the repository. Some scripts use third-party packages such as BeautifulSoup, Selenium or matplotlib, which you would install separately.
How do I download the geekcomputers Python repository?
Run git clone https://github.com/geekcomputers/Python in a terminal, as shown in the README. This creates a local copy of all the scripts.
Are these scripts good for production use?
No. The README says the author does not consider themselves a programmer and the scripts are experiments. Use a supported, production-grade tool for critical work.
Why might some scripts not work?
Some entries reference services such as Twitter and YouTube whose APIs may have changed, and some link to external repositories. Those scripts may need updates before they run.
How does this compare to Automate the Boring Stuff with Python or Awesome Python?
This repo is a collection of unrelated small scripts by one author. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python is a structured book with example code for automation tasks, and Awesome Python is a curated list of libraries and tools.
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Our verdict
Use this repo if you are a beginner who wants to read short, practical scripts or you need a starting point for a small task like batch renaming or folder size checks. Pick a different option if you need a supported, production-grade tool, one consistent application, or up-to-date third-party integrations.
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