How to Install Python in VS Code

How to Install Python in VS Code

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your Python development experience, VS Code, or Virtual Studio Code, is your best solution. It’s a fun and creative platform to help you embrace and grow your Python skills. VS Code has powerful features that will help simplify your processes and increase productivity.

In this article, you will learn how to install Python in VS Code and other basic skills such as setting up a workspace setup and running Python in VS Code.

How to Install Python in VS Code

You’ll need to install the Python extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace to make sure everything works properly. Follow the steps below to perform this task successfully.

Launch the VS Code application.
Click on the “Extensions” tab.
Type “python” in the search field located on the left side of the window.
Select the Python extension you want to install.
Click the blue “Install” button to complete the Python installation.

Python 2.0 was discontinued in 2020. So make sure that the Python you have installed is the third version.

How to Run Python in VS Code

Once you have installed Python and VS Code on your device, you have to write code. This will help you run Python extensions in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Here’s how to do it:

Launch VS Code.
Click on “File”, which is located on the top left side of your VS Code window.
Select “New Text File.”
Type “ print (‘Hello World’)” on the right side of the panel.
Press “Ctrl + S” to save the Python file.
Click “Run”, which is located at the top left of the window.

Make sure you always type ‘.py’ at the end of the file name when saving.

Configuring Terminal Settings

Using VS Code will help you customize your terminal in VS Code. Follow these steps to complete this process:

Open the “Terminal” menu.
Find the down arrow button in the top-right corner of your terminal window. Click the down arrow button.
Select “Configure Terminal Settings”.

Understanding REPL Function in VS Code

REPL is an interactive way to run commands in your Python interpreter. This will help you run a few lines of code inside a Python file. Here’s how to use this function in Python development:

Open your Python file.
Type the code in the VS Code window.
Right click on the code you have written.
Scroll down the list of options and select “Execute Selection/Line” in the Python Terminal.

You will find the output on the integrated terminal appearing in REPL format. Alternatively, you can also use the Command Pallet to start a REPL in VS Code:

Open the Command Pallet.
Find “REPLs.”
Click on “Python” to start the REPL.
Enter your commands in the interactive Python shell.
Press the “Enter” key to execute the command.

All the Python code you put in VS Code will apply Autopep8 automatically after you enable this setting.

Python Interactive Window in VS Code

You can run Python interactive Windows using Jupyter Notebooks in VS Code. Follow the steps below to perform this task:

Open the explorer panel in your VS Code window.
Right click on the Python file.
Select the “Run Current File in Interactive Window” option under the context menu.
Enter a name in the new interactive window to confirm if it’s a palindrome.
The results will be displayed in a new interactive window.

Python Development Tips in VS Code

VS Code lets you customize Python features and extensions to help meet your needs and scale overall productivity. This section will equip you with important tips for efficient Python development.

If you are new to VS Code for Python IDE, the “Help” button in your VS Code window is a tool you should take advantage of. It will give you an easy to understand tutorial about VS Code. Use the keyboard reference sheet to memorize and modify keyboard shortcuts. It will help you to access all available commands faster, and shortcuts are faster than Command Pallete. Use command line interface to open VS Code editor by typing “code”. Shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + M” allows you to handle project errors and warnings quickly. You can also press “F8″ to quickly scroll through errors. You can quickly revise multiple lines of code at once by using the shortcut “Alt + Click”. The shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + L” will also help you change any occurrence in your current selection. This multi-cursor selection trick is a game changer in the world of Python development. Use the Git integration tool to do all the work related to it in VS Code. You can always log into your Git account to sync your settings quickly and easily.

All these features of VS Code will help you enjoy the Python development field more and create a smooth working experience.

FAQs

Is VS Code a reliable tool for Python?

Yes. VS Code helps edit Python source code and has powerful features that drive development.

Why doesn’t VS Code recognize your Python imports?

This is most likely the result of selecting the wrong interpreter when coding. Make sure you select and install packages correctly to avoid compatibility issues.

Is VS Code a better IDE for Python than PyCharm?

Yes. VS Code has a wider feature set, making customization easier and more versatile.

Improve Your Python Coding Skills With VS Code

You need to have the right resources geared towards your Python development journey. VS Code is one such tool. It provides a great place to start and build on your Python development knowledge. It houses essential features that are key in helping you master Python and data science in general. You can set up VS Code to suit your preferred workflow to increase productivity.

So what do you think about integrating Python with VS Code? Is there an update you’d like to see in VS Code to help improve your Python development environment? Let us know in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include affiliate links. This does not affect our editorial in any way.

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