How to Set Up Python in Visual Studio Code: A Beginner’s Guide

Setting up Python in Visual Studio Code doesn’t need to be complicated, even if you’re just starting your programming journey. The powerful combination offers features like syntax autocomplete, linting, debugging, and unit testing capabilities that can significantly boost your coding productivity.

Are you wondering how to install Python in Visual Studio Code? The process is straightforward. Most developers prefer installing Python through the Anaconda Distribution, which comes with pre-installed packages and software to start coding without complications. Additionally, Visual Studio Code allows you to run data science code directly in Jupyter Notebook after installing the necessary extension.

Throughout this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to install Python in Visual Studio Code, verify your installation, run your first Python script, and enhance your development environment with essential extensions. Let’s get your Python environment ready in just a few minutes!

Quick Answer:

Python and Visual Studio Code work seamlessly together to give beginners a clean, powerful, and flexible coding environment with features like autocomplete, debugging, and extensions that grow with your skills.

How to Install Python and VSCode: Step-by-Step

Getting Python and Visual Studio Code up and running on your computer is the first crucial step for any Python developer. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from downloading the latest Python version to setting up VSCode for optimal Python development.

Step 1) Download and install Python (2026 version)

As of 2026, Python 3.14.2 is the latest stable release (December 2025). However, Python 3.15 is currently in development with alpha releases available for testing. For beginners, it’s best to install the stable version:

1. Visit the official Python website (python.org/downloads)
2. Click the Download Python button that appears at the top of the page
3. Run the downloaded installer
4. For Windows users: Make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” during installation

The installer automatically handles the setup process, making Python available throughout your system. If you’re using Windows, the Python Install Manager provides a convenient way to manage Python versions.

Step 2) Verify Python Installation via Terminal

Before proceeding with VSCode setup, it’s essential to verify that Python is installed correctly:

For Windows:

py -3 –version

or

python –version

For macOS/Linux:

python3 –version

If successful, you’ll see the version number displayed (e.g., Python 3.14.2). This confirmation ensures Python is properly installed and accessible from your command line.

Step 3) Install Visual Studio Code on Your OS

Now that Python is ready, let’s install Visual Studio Code:

1. Go to code.visualstudio.com/download
2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system:
   • Windows: Choose between User Installer (recommended for most users) or System Installer
   • macOS: Select the version for Intel or Apple Silicon chips
   • Linux: Download the .deb (Ubuntu/Debian), .rpm (Fedora/RHEL), or .tar.gz package

Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. VSCode will automatically add itself to your PATH on Windows, allowing you to open it from the terminal with the code command.

Step 4) Alternative Installation Methods for Both Tools

A) For Python:

• Windows: Microsoft Store provides an easy installation option
• macOS: Homebrew offers a simple command-line installation:
  brew install python3
• Linux: Most distributions include Python, but you can update using your package manager:
  sudo apt install python3    # For Ubuntu/Debian

sudo dnf install python3    # For Fedora/RHEL

B) For VSCode:

• Windows: Microsoft Store or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
• macOS: Homebrew installation:
  brew install –cask visual-studio-code
• Linux: Snap store installation:
  sudo snap install code –classic

For data science work, furthermore, you might consider Anaconda, which bundles Python with many useful libraries. This approach is especially helpful for beginners who want a complete scientific computing environment.

Once both Python and VSCode are installed, you’ll be ready to set up the Python extension in VSCode and start coding. In the next section, we’ll cover how to run your first Python script in VSCode.

Running Your First Python Script in VSCode

Once you’ve got Python and VSCode installed, it’s time to write and run your first Python program. Let’s explore how to create, configure, and execute Python code within the Visual Studio Code environment.

1) Create a New Python File

Creating a new Python file in VSCode is straightforward:

1. From the File Explorer toolbar, click the New File button
2. Name your file with a .py extension (for example, hello.py)
3. VSCode will automatically recognize it as a Python file

When you add the .py file extension, VSCode knows to interpret the file as a Python program and provides appropriate syntax highlighting and code suggestions. For beginners, try creating a simple program like:

msg = “Hello, Python World!”

print(msg)

2) Select the Correct Python Interpreter

Visual Studio Code needs to know which Python installation to use when running your code:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) to open the Command Palette
2. Type “Python: Select Interpreter” and press Enter
3. Select your preferred Python version from the list (e.g., Python 3.14)

If you don’t see your Python version, select “Enter interpreter path” and browse to your Python installation location. The selected environment will be used for running code, providing language services, and opening terminals.

Visual Studio Code displays the active Python interpreter in the bottom-right corner of the window, making it easy to verify your selection.

3) Run the Script Using the Run button or Terminal

You can execute your Python script in several ways:

• Click the Run Python File in Terminal play button in the top-right corner of the editor
• Right-click anywhere in the editor and select Run > Python File in Terminal
• Select specific lines of code and press Shift+Enter to run just those lines
• Use Shift+Enter with your cursor on a line to activate Smart Send, which runs the smallest executable chunk of code

For beginners, the play button method is generally easiest. When you run a script, VSCode opens a terminal panel and automatically activates your Python environment before executing the command (such as python hello.py).

4) Common Errors and How to Fix Them

As you start coding, you might encounter these frequent Python errors:

1. Syntax Errors: These occur when your code contains invalid Python syntax:

# Incorrect: using assignment instead of comparison

if x = 10:

    print(“x is 10”)

# Correct

if x == 10:

    print(“x is 10”)

2. Indentation Errors: Python uses whitespace for code blocks, so proper indentation is crucial:

# Incorrect: missing indentation

for i in range(5):

print(i)

# Correct

for i in range(5):

    print(i)

3. Name Errors: These happen when you reference undefined variables:

# Incorrect: misspelled variable name

my_variable = 5

print(my_vairable)  # NameError

# Correct

print(my_variable)

4. Type Errors: These occur when you perform operations on incompatible data types:

# Incorrect: adding a string and an integer

x = “5”

y = 10

result = x + y  # TypeError

# Correct

result = int(x) + y

With VSCode’s built-in debugging capabilities, you can also set breakpoints by clicking the margin next to line numbers and then pressing F5 to start debugging. This allows you to inspect variables and step through your code execution one line at a time.

What are the Essential Extensions for Python Development

To unlock the full potential of Python development in Visual Studio Code, you need to enhance your setup with the right extensions. These powerful add-ons transform VSCode from a simple text editor into a complete Python development environment.

1) Installing the Visual Studio Code Python Extension

The official Python extension is the cornerstone of Python development in VSCode. To install it:

1. Open the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon on the Activity Bar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X
2. Search for “Python” in the marketplace search bar
3. Locate the Python extension by Microsoft and click “Install.”

Once installed, this extension provides essential features including IntelliSense, linting, debugging, code navigation, formatting, refactoring, and testing capabilities. The Python extension automatically installs Pylance, which enhances your coding experience with faster IntelliSense and better language features.

2) Top 5 Extensions to Boost Productivity

Beyond the core Python extension, consider these productivity-enhancing tools:

1. Pylance – A language server that offers advanced type checking, auto-completions, and quick access to documentation when you hover over symbols
2. Black Formatter – Automatically formats your code according to the PEP 8 style guide, maintaining consistent code style throughout your projects
3. Python Indent – Helps with creating proper indentation by automatically parsing your Python file when you press Enter
4. autoDocstring – Quickly generate documentation strings for your functions by typing triple quotes (“””)
5. Python Test Explorer – Displays tests in the Test Explorer view, allowing you to run and debug tests directly from the interface

3) Jupyter Notebook Support in VSCode

Working with Jupyter notebooks is seamless in Visual Studio Code:

1. Install the Jupyter extension (included automatically with the Python extension)
2. Create a new notebook file with the .ipynb extension or open an existing one
3. Select a kernel using the kernel picker in the top-right corner

Moreover, you can convert notebooks to Python code files using the “Jupyter: Export to Python Script” command. The notebook’s cells will be delimited with #%% comments in the Python file, and you can run individual cells using the “Run Cell” CodeLens that appears.

4) How to Manage Virtual Environments in VSCode

Virtual environments isolate your project dependencies, preventing conflicts between different projects:

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
2. Type and select “Python: Create Environment”
3. Choose between Venv or Conda environment types

After creating your environment, VSCode will detect it automatically. To switch between environments:

• Click on the Python interpreter name in the Status Bar
• Use the “Python: Select Interpreter” command

For managing packages within your virtual environment, VSCode provides a dedicated Python Environments extension that simplifies creating, deleting, and switching between Python environments, as well as managing packages.

This extension-enhanced setup transforms VSCode into a powerful, customized Python IDE tailored to your specific development needs.

How to Configure VSCode for Better Python Coding

Properly configuring Visual Studio Code transforms it into a powerful Python development environment. While VSCode works well with default settings, customizing your setup can significantly enhance your coding experience and productivity.

1) Enable and Customize Linting Tools

Linting helps identify potential errors in your code by analyzing it for common problems. To set up linting in VSCode:

1. Install a linter extension like Pylint through the marketplace
2. Linting is automatically enabled once the extension is installed
3. Control linting behavior through settings:
   “python.linting.enabled”: true,

“python.linting.pylintEnabled”: true

You can adjust severity levels for different linting rules through the pylint.severity setting. This allows you to determine whether issues appear as errors, warnings, or information in your editor.

2) Set up Auto-Formatting With Black or Autopep8

Code formatting ensures consistent style throughout your projects. VSCode supports several Python formatters:

• Black: An “uncompromising” formatter that applies its own style
• autopep8: More configurable, preserves original code style to some extent

To configure automatic formatting:

1. Install your preferred formatter extension
2. Set it as your default Python formatter:
   “[python]”: {

  “editor.defaultFormatter”: “ms-python.black-formatter”,

  “editor.formatOnSave”: true

}

Black uses a line length of 88 characters by default, whereas autopep8 follows the PEP 8 standard of 79 characters. Both can be customized through arguments in your settings.

3) Customize Editor Settings for Python

Tailor VSCode’s behavior specifically for Python development:

• Tab size: Control indentation with “editor.tabSize”: 4
• Word wrap: Enable with “editor.wordWrap”: true
• Format on paste: Set “editor.formatOnPaste”: true
• Render whitespace: Make whitespace visible with “editor.renderWhitespace”: “all”

Although VSCode offers a graphical settings editor, many developers prefer editing the settings.json file directly. Access it via Ctrl+Shift+P → Preferences: Open Settings (JSON).

4) Using Code Snippets and Multi-Cursor Editing

Snippets allow you to insert code templates quickly, while multi-cursor editing helps edit multiple lines simultaneously.

Creating custom snippets:

1. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
2. Type “Snippets: Configure User Snippets”
3. Select the Python language

For example, a simple Python function snippet:

“Python Function”: {

  “prefix”: “def”,

  “body”: [

    “def ${1:function_name}(${2:parameters}):”,

    “\t${0:pass}”

  ],

  “description”: “Create a Python function”

}

Multi-cursor editing techniques:

• Alt+Click: Add cursors at multiple positions
• Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down: Add cursors above/below
• Shift+Alt+I: Add cursors at the end of selected lines

These configuration options will enhance your Python development workflow in VSCode, making coding more efficient and enjoyable.

Debugging, Testing, and Version Control

After setting up and configuring Python in VSCode, mastering debugging, testing, and version control skills will complete your development toolkit. These powerful features help you find bugs, ensure code quality, and collaborate effectively.

1) Set Breakpoints and Use the Debug Panel

Debugging in VSCode helps you identify and fix issues in your Python code:

1. Set a breakpoint by clicking in the gutter next to a line number (a red dot appears)
2. Press F5 to start debugging
3. When execution reaches your breakpoint, it pauses

Once paused, the debug panel appears with several useful sections:

• Variables: Inspect current values
• Watch: Monitor specific expressions
• Call Stack: See the execution path

Navigate through your code using the debug toolbar buttons to step over, step into, or step out of functions.

2) Run and Manage Unit Tests With Pytest or Unittest

VSCode makes running Python tests straightforward:

1. Install the Python extension (it supports pytest and unittest)
2. Click the flask icon in the left sidebar
3. Select “Configure Python Tests” and choose your testing framework
4. VSCode will automatically discover your tests

Subsequently, you can run tests by clicking the play button next to individual tests or test files. The Test Explorer view displays results with green checkmarks for passed tests.

3) Use Git Integration for Version Control

VSCode provides built-in version control and Git support without requiring command-line knowledge:

1. Initialize a repository through the Source Control view (Ctrl+Shift+G)
2. Stage changes by clicking the + icon next to modified files
3. Enter a commit message and click “Commit.”
4. Sync changes with remote repositories using the sync button

4) Enable GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted Coding

Enhance your Python coding experience with AI assistance:

1. Install GitHub Copilot extension
2. Sign in with your GitHub account
3. Hover over the Copilot icon in the Status Bar and select “Use AI Features.”

Copilot primarily helps write test code and assists with debugging complex issues by suggesting solutions based on your code patterns.

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Concluding Thoughts…

Setting up Python in Visual Studio Code might seem intimidating at first, but as you’ve seen throughout this guide, the process is actually straightforward and beginner-friendly. You now have all the tools needed to start your Python development journey with a powerful, customizable IDE.

Remember that configuring VSCode with appropriate linting, formatting, and customized settings will make your coding experience even more enjoyable. Similarly, mastering debugging techniques and testing practices will help you create more reliable code as you progress.

Whether you plan to build simple scripts or complex applications, the foundation you’ve established through this guide will serve you well. 

Start small with basic projects, then gradually explore more advanced features as your confidence grows. Soon enough, you’ll be writing Python code effortlessly within your perfectly configured Visual Studio Code environment!

FAQs

Q1. How do I set up Python in Visual Studio Code for beginners? 

To set up Python in Visual Studio Code, first install Python from python.org. Then, install Visual Studio Code and add the Python extension from the marketplace. Create a new Python file, select the Python interpreter, and you’re ready to start coding.

Q2. What are the essential steps to start coding in Python for beginners? 

Begin by installing Python and Visual Studio Code. Create a new Python file with a .py extension, write a simple script like “print(‘Hello, World!’)”, and run it using the play button or terminal in VSCode. Familiarize yourself with basic syntax and gradually explore more complex concepts.

Q3. How can I customize Visual Studio Code for Python development? 

Enhance your Python development in VSCode by installing useful extensions like Pylance and Black Formatter. Configure linting tools, set up auto-formatting, and customize editor settings such as tab size and word wrap. You can also create custom code snippets for frequently used code blocks.

Q4. What are some debugging techniques in Visual Studio Code for Python? 

To debug Python code in VSCode, set breakpoints by clicking next to line numbers, then press F5 to start debugging. Use the debug panel to inspect variables, watch expressions, and navigate through your code. You can also step through your code line by line using the debug toolbar buttons.

Q5. How do I manage virtual environments in Visual Studio Code? 

Create a virtual environment in VSCode by opening the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P), typing “Python: Create Environment”, and choosing between Venv or Conda. VSCode will detect the environment automatically. To switch between environments, click on the Python interpreter name in the Status Bar or use the “Python: Select Interpreter” command.