Advice on Setting Up the Python Environment

[punksnotdead]

I wonder if anyone can give me some general advice on how to get set up as some weird things are happening

1. If I drag and drop a .py file into the standard command window (the DOS prompt one) the file sometimes runs ok but sometimes throws an error

2. If I then type python at the command prompt so i get >>> instead of > then try to drag and drop the file I get a unicodeescape error

3. However, I also have PyCharm installed. Should I just run using this and ditch the above. Or is there a better IDE than PyCharm?

As you can probably tell, I'm a newbie to Python and just want to get set up the best way

4. Are there any other tips I should bear in mind or implement

Thanks in advance, Mark

[snippsat]

1. If I drag and drop a .py file into the standard command window (the DOS prompt one) the file sometimes runs ok but sometimes throws an error

Just stop that drag and drop stuff,use a better shell that cmd/powershell eg cmder.

2. If I then type python at the command prompt so i get >>> instead of > then try to drag and drop the file I get a unicodeescape error

Use a better interactive shell than IDLE or standard,eg ptpython (what i use) or IPython,with cmder get correct syntax color.
Also Juypter Notebook is nice to do interactive stuff in

3. However, I also have PyCharm installed. Should I just run using this and ditch the above. Or is there a better IDE than PyCharm?

Look at VS Code from start.

4. Are there any other tips I should bear in mind or implement

Basic install and Windows environment with pip.
Python 3.6/3.7 and pip installation under Windows
Python environment Windows