Lesson 1 How to Set Up Python in Visual Studio Code on Windows

Lesson No 1 Python Typecasting Essentials for Beginners

Step 1: Download Visual Studio Code

The first step in setting up Python in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) on Windows is to download the VS Code application. You can download the latest version of VS Code from the official Microsoft website. Once the download is complete, proceed to install the application on your Windows computer.

Step 2: Install the Python Extension

After installing VS Code, you'll need to install the Python extension to enable Python development within the IDE. To do this, open VS Code and click on the Extensions icon in the left-hand sidebar. In the search bar, type "Python" and select the Python extension by Microsoft. Click the "Install" button to add the extension to your VS Code installation.

Step 3: Download and Install Python

Next, you'll need to download and install Python on your Windows computer. Visit the official Python website and download the latest version of Python 3. Make sure to select the option to add Python to your system's PATH during the installation process. This will allow you to run Python commands directly from the command prompt or terminal.

Step 4: Configure Python in VS Code

With Python installed, you can now configure VS Code to use the Python interpreter. Open VS Code and click on the "Python" option in the bottom left-hand corner of the window. This will open the Python interpreter selection menu. Select the version of Python you just installed, and VS Code will automatically configure the environment for you.

Step 5: Create a New Python File

Now that you have Python set up in VS Code, you can start creating new Python files. To do this, click on the "File" menu and select "New File." Save the file with a ".py" extension, such as "my_script.py." You can now start writing your Python code in this file.Step 6: Run Your Python Script

To run your Python script, open the Terminal in VS Code by clicking on the Terminal icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the window. In the terminal, type "python my_script.py" (replacing "my_script.py" with the name of your file) and press Enter. This will execute your Python code and display the output in the terminal.

Step 7: Explore Additional Features

VS Code offers a wide range of features and tools to enhance your Python development experience. Some additional features you can explore include:

• Debugging tools to step through your code and identify issues
• Integrated terminal for running Python commands and scripts
• Code formatting and linting tools to ensure your code adheres to best practices
• Git integration for version control and collaboration
• Marketplace extensions to add additional functionality, such as data science or web development tools

Conclusion

Setting up Python in Visual Studio Code on Windows is a straightforward process that can help you streamline your Python development workflow. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to download and install VS Code, set up the Python extension, and start writing and running Python scripts with ease. As you continue to explore the features and capabilities of VS Code, you'll be able to unlock even more productivity and efficiency in your Python development process.