How to Get Started with Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

Welcome back! Now that you have a basic understanding of Python, it’s time to set up your development environment. One of the best tools for writing and running Python code is Visual Studio Code (VSCode). VSCode is a free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft, and it’s packed with features that make coding a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps to get you started with VSCode.

Why Choose VSCode?

VSCode is popular among developers for several reasons:

• Lightweight: It’s fast and doesn’t consume a lot of system resources.
• Customizable: You can personalize your workspace with various extensions and themes.
• Integrated Terminal: Run your code without leaving the editor.
• Extensions: Enhance your coding experience with thousands of extensions.
• Git Integration: Built-in support for version control.

Step 1: Download and Install VSCode

1. Download VSCode:

• Go to the Visual Studio Code website.
• Click the download button for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

1. Install VSCode:

• Run the installer you just downloaded.
• Follow the installation prompts. The default settings are usually fine for most users.

Step 2: Install Python

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to install Python on your computer.

1. Download Python:

• Go to the Python website.
• Download the latest version of Python.

1. Install Python:

• Run the installer.
• Make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” during installation.
• Follow the installation prompts.

Step 3: Set Up Python in VSCode

1. Open VSCode:

• Launch VSCode from your start menu or applications folder.

1. Install Python Extension:

• Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side of the window (or press Ctrl+Shift+X).
• In the search bar, type “Python”.
• Click “Install” on the Python extension provided by Microsoft.

1. Verify Python Installation:

• Open the integrated terminal in VSCode by selecting View > Terminal or pressing Ctrl+`.
• Type python --version and press Enter. You should see the version of Python you installed.

Step 4: Create Your First Python File

1. Create a New File:

• Click on File > New File or press Ctrl+N.
• Save the file with a .py extension, for example, hello_world.py.

1. Write Your First Python Code:

• In the new file, type the following code:
  python print("Hello, World!")

1. Run Your Python Code:

• Save the file by pressing Ctrl+S.
• Right-click in the editor window and select Run Python File in Terminal.
• You should see the output Hello, World! in the terminal.

Step 5: Customize VSCode

VSCode is highly customizable. Here are a few tips to make it your own:

1. Change the Theme:

• Go to File > Preferences > Color Theme or press Ctrl+K Ctrl+T.
• Choose a theme you like from the list.

1. Install Useful Extensions:

• Go to the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.
• Here are a few extensions you might find helpful:
  • Pylint: For linting Python code.
  • Code Runner: To run code snippets easily.
  • GitLens: To enhance Git capabilities.
  • Live Server: For live reloading in web development.

1. Configure Settings:

• Open the settings by clicking on the gear icon in the lower-left corner and selecting Settings.
• Explore the settings to tweak your environment to your liking. You can change font size, enable or disable certain features, and much more.

Step 6: Learn the Shortcuts

VSCode is powerful, and knowing the shortcuts can significantly boost your productivity. Here are a few to get you started:

• Open Command Palette: Ctrl+Shift+P
• Toggle Terminal: Ctrl+`
• Open File: Ctrl+O
• Save File: Ctrl+S
• Comment/Uncomment Line: Ctrl+/

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve set up your development environment with VSCode and written your first Python program. VSCode is a powerful tool that will grow with you as you advance in your coding journey. Take some time to explore its features and customize it to suit your workflow. Happy coding, and stay tuned for our next tutorial where we dive deeper into Python programming!