Setting Up Your Development Environment: Starting Python with VS Code on Windows

Getting your development environment set up can be a hassle, especially when you're unsure which components to install. On Windows, problems can arise if Python, VS Code, terminal, and virtual environments aren't properly configured. This guide helps beginners streamline the setup process for a smooth start.

What You Need to Install

• Python (Interpreter): The engine that runs your Python code.
• VS Code (Editor): A workspace to write and execute your code.
• Virtual Environment (venv): Keeps project libraries separate to avoid conflicts.
• Terminal: Used for command-line execution (PowerShell is common on Windows).

Installing Python on Windows

Two Crucial Steps

1. Check the box for “Add Python to PATH” during installation to ensure terminal commands work.
2. After installing, verify the version in PowerShell:

python --version

Sometimes py --version may work instead, depending on your setup.

Installing VS Code and Essential Extensions for Python

While you can edit with just VS Code, adding extensions enhances Python development.

Must-Have Extensions

• Python: Central for running/debugging.
• Pylance: Improves code writing with autocomplete and type hints. Restart VS Code after installation for stability.

Creating a Project Folder and Setting Up a Virtual Environment

This habit is essential for consistent development workflows.

Creating a Folder & Opening it in VS Code

Create a folder like C:\dev\hello-python and open it in VS Code.

Opening Terminal

Check if PowerShell opens from the terminal menu in VS Code.

Creating a Virtual Environment

python -m venv .venv

Activating the Virtual Environment

.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

You'll see (.venv) in the prompt if successful.

If activation fails due to execution policy, run the following once and try again:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned

Selecting the Correct Interpreter in VS Code

Make sure VS Code uses the virtual environment's Python interpreter.

Verification Steps

• Use the Select Python Interpreter menu in VS Code.
• Choose the interpreter that includes the .venv path. Ensure that pip install commands apply to your project environment.

First Run: “Hello, Python!”

Create a main.py file in your project folder and enter:

def greet(name: str) -> None:
    print(f"Hello, {name}! You've started Python development with VS Code!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    greet("New Developer")

Running the Code (Terminal)

python main.py

If the greeting prints, your setup for installation, virtual environment, and execution is complete.

Common Beginner Issues and Quick Fixes

1. python Command Not Recognized

• Likely forgot to check PATH during installation.
• Try running with py main.py.

2. Libraries Aren't Found During Execution

• Ensure the virtual environment is activated and the correct interpreter is selected in VS Code.
• Confirm (.venv) is in the prompt and reselect the interpreter if needed.

3. VS Code Execution Differs from Terminal

• Your run command might be using a different interpreter.
• Verify the interpreter is set to .venv in VS Code.

Conclusion: Today's Setup, Tomorrow's Speed

Though initially complex, consistently creating a virtual environment for each project, selecting the right interpreter in VS Code, and executing with the terminal improves development flow. Next, explore installing libraries like requests, using breakpoints for debugging, and applying formatters like Black.