Python and Visual Studio: A Match Made in Heaven?

Python is one of the most versatile programming languages out there, used for everything from web development to machine learning. And while there are plenty of tools available to run Python code, one of the most popular options is Visual Studio, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) developed by Microsoft that supports various programming languages. But how exactly do you run Python in Visual Studio? Let’s find out.

Step 1 – Download and Install Visual Studio

First things first, you need to download and install Visual Studio on your machine. You can get the latest version from the Microsoft website and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 2 – Install the Python Extension

Once you have Visual Studio installed, you need to add the Python extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace. This extension provides a range of features, such as code completion and debugging, to help you work more efficiently with Python code. To install the extension, launch Visual Studio, go to the Extensions tab, click “Manage Extensions”, find the Python extension by Microsoft, and click “Install”. Once installed, restart Visual Studio.

Step 3 – Create a New Python Project

With the Python extension now installed, you can create a new Python project. Go to “File” > “New” > “Project” and choose the Python project template that best suits your needs, such as a console application or web application.

Step 4 – Select the Python Interpreter

The Python interpreter is the program that executes your Python code, so you need to select the interpreter that you want to use. By default, Visual Studio will use the Python interpreter installed on your machine, but you can choose a different one if necessary. To select an interpreter, right-click on the Python environment you want to use in the “Python Environments” section of the Solution Explorer window and choose “Set as Startup Item” or go to “Project” > “Properties” > “Python”.

Step 5 – Write and Run Python Code

Now that you have set up your project and selected an interpreter, you can start writing and running Python code in Visual Studio. Create a new Python file by right-clicking on your project in the Solution Explorer window, select “Add” > “New Item”, and choose “Python File”. Then, you can start typing your Python code.

To run your Python code, click on the “Start” button in the toolbar or press “F5”. Visual Studio will execute your code, and you can see the output in the Output window.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped you get started with running Python in Visual Studio. With a rich set of features, such as debugging and the ability to refactor code, Visual Studio can make your Python development experience more streamlined and efficient. So what are you waiting for? Get coding!