Time for action – using the Python help system

Depending on your operating system, you can access the Python shell with special applications, usually a terminal of some sort.

In such a terminal, type the following command to start a Python shell:
```
$ python
```
You will get a short message with the Python version and other information and the following prompt:
```
>>>
```
Type the following in the prompt:
```
>>> help()
```
Another message appears and the prompt changes as follows:
```
help>
```
If you type, for instance, keywords as the message says, you get a list of keywords. The topics command gives a list of topics. If you type any of the topic names (such as LISTS) in the prompt, you get additional information about the topic. Typing q quits the information screen. Pressing Ctrl + D together returns you to the normal Python prompt:
```
>>>
```
Pressing Ctrl + D together again ends the Python shell session.

What just happened?

We learned about the Python interactive shell and the Python help system.

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