Introduction
Python, with its high-level data structures, dynamic typing, and easy syntax, has become a favorite among both coding novices and experts. But to transform these lines of code into functioning applications, you need a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio. This tutorial will guide you through running Python code in Visual Studio, whether you’re a seasoned coder or just starting your programming journey. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Python programming in Visual Studio.
Step 1: Install Python and Visual Studio Code
Before you can run Python code in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you need to have both Python and VS Code installed on your computer. You can download Python from the official Python website and VS Code from its official site. After downloading, ensure you properly install both software applications for optimal Python coding.
Step 2: Install Python Extension in Visual Studio Code
Open Visual Studio Code and click on the Extensions icon on the Activity Bar to access the Extensions view. In the search bar, type “Python” and select the Python extension for Visual Studio Code developed by Microsoft.
Step 3: Create a New Python File
Launch Visual Studio Code and click on the Explorer icon in the Activity Bar. In the Explorer, click the new file icon at the top and name your document with a .py extension, like ‘test.py’. This will automatically set the language mode to Python, allowing you to code seamlessly in Python in your new file.
Step 4: Write Python Code
Open your new .py file and start writing a simple code, like print(‘Hello World’). This line of code will display ‘Hello World’ when run, making it a great starting point for beginners.
Step 5: Run The Python Code
To run the code, you can either click the green ‘Run Python File in Terminal’ button at the top-right corner of your screen or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + F5. Both methods will run your code directly in the terminal.
Step 6: Check Output
After running your code, any results will be displayed in the Terminal panel at the bottom of the Visual Studio Code interface. This allows you to check if your code is running as expected and debug if necessary.
Conclusion
Running Python code in Visual Studio is a skill that both beginners and experienced coders can master. This powerful platform combines Python’s capabilities with the power of an IDE like Visual Studio. With practice, you’ll improve your proficiency in running Python code in Visual Studio. Happy Coding!
