How do you get double-underscores to display in markdown?

Question

In python, there are some special variables and filenames that are surrounded by double-underscores. For example, there is the

__file__  

variable. I am only able to get them to show up correctly inside of a code block. What do I need to enter to get double underscores in regular text without having them interpreted as an emphasis?

Answer 1

__file__

Put a backslash before the first underscore.

Like this:

\__file__ 

Answer 2

You can also put a backslash before the final underscore

__file_\_ 

gives you

__file__