Top VS Code Python Extensions

Introduction

• Presenter: Jeremy
• Channel Focus: Enhancing developer skills with modern tools and techniques.
• Purpose of Lecture: Introduce essential VS Code Python extensions.

1. Python Extension by Microsoft

• Importance: Essential for any Python developer using VS Code.
• Installation:
  • Navigate to the activity bar and click on extensions.
  • Search for "Python" and install the official extension by Microsoft.
• Features:
  • Auto-installs PyLance and Python Debugger.
  • Provides a beaker icon for testing.
  • Allows changing the interpreter directly from VS Code.
  • IntelliSense for auto-completing modules.
  • Supports debugging with breakpoints.

2. Jupyter Extension

• Audience: Popular among Python developers who use Jupyter notebooks.
• Features:
  • Run notebooks within VS Code.
  • Supports switching between different Python kernel versions.

3. Auto Docstring

• Purpose: Automatically generates docstrings in Python files.
• Usage:
  • Type three double quotes to trigger the generation.
  • Fill out details like summary, parameters, and returns.

4. Python Test Explorer

• Function: Simplifies running tests from the VS Code sidebar.
• Setup:
  • Configure Python tests using the built-in test explorer.
  • Supports automatic test running upon file changes.

5. Code Spellchecker

• Function: Checks source code for spelling errors.
• Features:
  • Highlights spelling mistakes with suggestions for correction.
  • Works on strings and variables.

6. CodeRunner

• Purpose: Execute code snippets quickly within VS Code.
• Configuration for Mac: Change the executor map to use Python 3.
• Usage:
  • Run selected code or the entire file with shortcuts.

7. Python Environment Manager

• Function: Manages Python environments in VS Code.
• Features:
  • View and manage workspace and global environments.
  • Install, refresh, update packages, and create new environments.

8. AREPL for Python

• Purpose: Real-time evaluation of Python code.
• Features:
  • Displays code output and variable values as you type.
  • Ability to filter out unwanted variable outputs.
• Customization:
  • Adjust execution delay in settings.

9. Python Snippets

• Function: Provides a collection of Python snippets for quick insertion.
• Usage:
  • Access snippets via the command prompt.

10. Error Lens

• Function: Highlights errors and warnings directly in the code editor.
• Features:
  • Immediate visual feedback for errors such as indentation issues.

Conclusion

• Recommendation: These extensions enhance Python development in VS Code.
• Further Learning: Watch a video about the command palette feature.
• Newsletter: Weekly newsletter available for more content insights.

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• Note: Information is provided to enhance development workflow and productivity in VS Code when working with Python.