For the most part, Python is an interpreted language and not a compiled one, although compilation is a step. Python code, written in .py file is first compiled to what is called bytecode (discussed in detail further) which is stored with a .pyc or .pyo format.

Does Python need compilation?

Python does not need a compiler because it relies on an application (called an interpreter) that compiles and runs the code without storing the machine code being created in a form that you can easily access or distribute.

Does Python have to be compiled prior to running?

Python automatically compiles your script to compiled code, so called byte code, before running it.