How to Set Up Python in VS Code: A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors for Python development. It is lightweight, fast, highly customizable, and supports Python through powerful extensions. Whether you are a beginner learning Python or a professional developer working on advanced projects, setting up Python correctly in VS Code is an essential first step.

This guide walks you through the entire process of installing Python, configuring VS Code, and running your first Python program smoothly.

Why Use VS Code for Python Development?

VS Code offers several advantages for Python developers:

• Clean and modern interface
• Built-in terminal for running Python commands
• Excellent debugging tools
• Support for virtual environments
• Large extension marketplace
• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Because of these features, VS Code has become the go-to editor for Python programmers worldwide.

How to Set Up Python in VS Code

Step 1: Install Python on Your System

Before setting up Python in VS Code, you must install Python itself.

Download Python

1. Visit the official Python website: python.org
2. Download the latest stable version of Python for your operating system
3. Run the installer

Important Installation Setting (Windows Users)

During installation, make sure to check the option “Add Python to PATH”.
This allows Python to run from the command line and inside VS Code without errors.

Verify Python Installation

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and run: python --version or python3 --version

If a version number appears, Python is installed correctly.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code

If you do not already have VS Code installed:

1. Go to code.visualstudio.com
2. Download the version for your operating system
3. Install and launch VS Code

VS Code works right out of the box, but Python support requires an extension.

Step 3: Install the Python Extension in VS Code

The Python extension adds syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, debugging, and formatting tools.

How to Install the Python Extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar
3. Search for Python
4. Install the extension published by Microsoft

Once installed, restart VS Code if prompted.

Step 4: Select the Python Interpreter

VS Code needs to know which Python version you want to use.

Choose Interpreter

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on macOS)
2. Type Python: Select Interpreter
3. Choose the Python version you installed earlier

Selecting the correct interpreter ensures your scripts run properly and dependencies work as expected.

Step 5: Create Your First Python File

Now you are ready to write Python code.

1. Open a new folder in VS Code
2. Create a new file named hello.py
3. Add the following code: print("Hello, Python in VS Code!")

Save the file.

Step 6: Run Python Code in VS Code

There are multiple ways to run a Python file.

Method 1: Run Using the Play Button

• Click the Run ▶️ button in the top-right corner
• Output will appear in the VS Code terminal

Method 2: Run Using Terminal

1. Open the terminal in VS Code (Ctrl + )
2. Type: python hello.py or python3 hello.py

Both methods are equally effective.

Step 7: Enable Python Debugging (Optional but Recommended)

Debugging helps you find and fix errors efficiently.

Start Debugging

1. Open your Python file
2. Click the Run and Debug icon
3. Choose Python File
4. Set breakpoints by clicking next to line numbers

VS Code allows you to inspect variables, step through code, and understand program flow clearly.

Step 8: Set Up a Virtual Environment (Best Practice)

Virtual environments keep project dependencies isolated.

Create a Virtual Environment

Open the terminal and run: python -m venv venv

Activate the Environment

• Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
• macOS/Linux: source venv/bin/activate

VS Code will automatically detect and recommend using the virtual environment.

Step 9: Install Python Packages in VS Code

Once the environment is active, install packages using pip: pip install requests

VS Code will recognize installed packages and provide auto-completion and import suggestions.

Common Issues and Fixes

Python Not Recognized

• Ensure Python is added to PATH
• Restart VS Code after installation

Wrong Interpreter Selected

• Re-select the interpreter from the command palette

Module Not Found Error

• Install the package in the active environment
• Check if the correct interpreter is selected

Final Thoughts

Setting up Python in VS Code is simple, but doing it correctly makes a huge difference in productivity. With Python installed, the VS Code Python extension enabled, and the right interpreter selected, you get a powerful development environment suitable for learning, scripting, web development, data science, and automation.

Once everything is configured, VS Code becomes more than just an editor—it turns into a complete Python development workspace.

FAQs 

Q1: What is VS Code and why is it used for Python?

VS Code is a lightweight code editor that supports Python through extensions. It offers debugging, auto-completion, and terminal access, making Python development easier and faster.

Q2: Do I need to install Python before using VS Code?

Yes, Python must be installed separately on your system. VS Code does not include Python by default and requires it to run Python programs.

Q3: How do I select the Python interpreter in VS Code?

You can select the interpreter by opening the command palette and choosing “Python: Select Interpreter.” This ensures VS Code uses the correct Python version.

Q4: Can I run Python without using the terminal in VS Code?

Yes, VS Code allows you to run Python files using the built-in Run button, which executes the code automatically in the integrated terminal.

Q5: Is VS Code good for beginners learning Python?

Yes, VS Code is beginner-friendly and widely used. Its clean interface, helpful extensions, and error detection make it ideal for learning Python from scratch.