Python Setup with VS Code

1. Install Python on Your System

VS Code is just the editor; it needs the Python "engine" installed on your computer to actually run the code.

• Windows/macOS: Download the latest version from python.org.

• Crucial Step: During installation on Windows, check the box that says "Add Python to PATH." If you miss this, VS Code won't be able to find it.
  

  

2. Install the Python Extension

This is what gives VS Code its "intelligence" (IntelliSense, debugging, and linting).

1. Open VS Code. ( If you dont have it installed, install it from here Download Visual Studio Code - Mac, Linux, Windows )

2. Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar (it looks like four squares).

3. Search for "Python".

4. Install the one provided by Microsoft.
   

   

   3. Select Your Interpreter

   You might have multiple versions of Python installed. You need to tell VS Code which one to use.

   1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on Mac) to open the Command Palette.

   2. Type "Python: Select Interpreter" and select it.

   3. Choose the recommended version from the list.
      

   4. Create and Run Your Code

   1. Go to File > New Text File and save it as hello.py.

   2. Type a simple line of code :

      print("Hello, VS Code!")

   3. To Run: Click the Play button (triangle icon) in the top right corner of the editor.

      
      

   5. Bonus: Use an AI Assistant

   You can use an AI assistant extension like Codex or Github Copilot or the new gold standard "Claude code", but these are paid apps. For a free one, you can use "Windsurf"