In this tutorial, you'll learn how to set up Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for Python development in 2025, using the latest tools and best practices.

Introduction to Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular, lightweight, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Key features include:

  • IntelliSense (smart code completion and suggestions)

  • Built-in Git integration

  • Extensions marketplace

  • Debugging tools

  • Terminal support

  • Themes and customization

New in 2025:

  • Browser-based VS Code using vscode.dev — a full editor experience directly in your web browser.

  • Improved remote development experience with GitHub Codespaces and SSH.

VS Code is ideal for Python developers due to its excellent extension ecosystem and smooth debugging experience.

Setting up Visual Studio Code

1) Download and Install VS Code

  • Navigate to the official VS Code website.

  • Click Download and choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

  • Launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: During installation on Windows, check "Add to PATH" and "Register Code as an editor for supported file types" for easier access.

After installation, open the VS Code application.

Install Python Extension

The Python extension by Microsoft brings powerful features like IntelliSense, code navigation, linting, testing support, and debugging.

Steps to Install:

  1. Open VS Code.

  2. Click the Extensions tab (or press Ctrl+Shift+X).

  3. Search for Python.

  4. Locate the extension named Python (publisher: Microsoft).

  5. Click Install.

Note: You may also see a prompt recommending the Pylance extension — this provides enhanced IntelliSense and is highly recommended.

Additional Recommended Extensions

  • Pylance: Fast, feature-rich language server for Python.

  • Jupyter: Run and edit Jupyter Notebooks directly in VS Code.

  • Python Environment Manager: Simplifies working with virtual environments.

Configure Python Interpreter

After installing the extension:

  1. Open a Python file or create a new .py file.

  2. Click on the Python version shown at the bottom-left corner.

  3. Choose your desired interpreter (e.g., a virtual environment, Conda environment, or the system Python installation).

Running and Debugging Python Code

  • To run Python code, right-click inside a .py file and select Run Python File in Terminal.

  • To debug, click the Run and Debug icon (Ctrl+Shift+D) and start a new debug session.

  • VS Code offers breakpoints, variable inspection, and a watch window for efficient debugging.

Summary

  • Install VS Code from the official website.

  • Install the Python extension (and optionally Pylance and Jupyter extensions).

  • Select and configure your Python interpreter.

  • Enjoy editing, running, and debugging Python code in one of the most powerful and lightweight editors available.

With VS Code fully set up, you're now ready to dive into Python development with a top-notch environment!

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