Setting Up Python with Visual Studio Code

Introduction

• Many use PyCharm or Anaconda with Spider for Python.
• Preferred choice: Visual Studio Code (VS Code).
• VS Code is more convenient for working with multiple languages.

Installing Python

• Open terminal/command prompt.
• Check Python version: python --version or py --version.
• If Python is not recognized: download from python.org.
  • Go to Downloads > Download for your OS (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
• Install Python:
  • Click Install Now.

Installing Visual Studio Code

• Go to code.visualstudio.com.
• Make sure to download the blue version (VS Code) not purple (Visual Studio).
• Download for your OS.
• Install VS Code:
  • Accept agreement.
  • Create a desktop icon.
  • Click Install.

Setting up a Python Project in VS Code

• Open VS Code.
• Create a new file (Ctrl+S).
• Save file with .py extension (e.g., test.py).
• Example content for test.py: print("This is file 1") print(50)
• Create another file test2.py: print("This is file 2") print(100)

Running Python Code in Terminal

• Open terminal in VS Code.
• Navigate to file directory:
  • cd Desktop
  • python test.py or py test.py
• Example outputs:
  • For test.py: This is file 1 50
  • For test2.py: This is file 2 100

Using VS Code Terminal and Extensions

• Use the built-in terminal or run button to execute code.
• To enable run button:
  1. Go to Extensions panel.
  2. Install Python extension by Microsoft.
  3. Install Code Runner extension.
• Setting Code Runner to use terminal:
  • Gear icon > Settings.
  • Scroll to Actions on Save > Edit in settings.json.
  • Add: "code-runner.runInTerminal": true

Organizing Your Project

• Create a folder (e.g., python_files).
• Move Python files into this folder.
• Drag folder into VS Code to open it.
• Alternatively, use terminal to open folder in VS Code:
  • cd Desktop
  • cd python_files
  • code .

Conclusion

• Follow these steps to set up Python with VS Code.
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