Perplexed about Adding Python Packages in Visual Studio?

Python is widely popular due to its versatile and flexible applications in various domains. However, when developers prepare Python-based applications, they use various Python packages to provide essential functions to their software. But the question is, how do we add Python packages in Visual Studio?

What is a Python Package?

Python packages are collections of modules, commonly used libraries written in Python code that provide programmers with methods and classes to perform different operations, leading to efficient and faster development of projects by reducing the amount of code written by the developer.

The Steps to Add a Python Package in Visual Studio

Step 1: Ensure the Python Environment Option is checked

Before adding any package to Visual Studio, developers should understand the Python environment. Choose the option Tools>Python>Python Environments from the Visual Studio menu and ensure that the checkbox near the Python Environment option is checked.

Step 2: Open the Python Environment Window

After ensuring that the Python Environment option is checked, click on the Create a new project option to open the Python Environment window, listing all the Python environments created on your computer. If no environments are available, follow the prompts provided to create a new one.

Step 3: Search and Select the Desired Package

After creating a new Python environment, move on to the Installing Packages option and follow these steps to search and select the desired packages:

• Choose the desired environment to install the package from the drop-down menu.
• Select the Install Python Package option available on the right side of the window.
• Type in the name of the package you wish to install and click on the search option.
• Select the desired package from the list that appears and click on the install package option.

Step 4: Check if the Installation was Successful

To verify whether the package has been installed successfully, select the Python Environments option from the Visual Studio menu and choose the desired environment from the drop-down menu. Next, select the package from the list of installed packages within the environment, and you should be able to view the package version installed on your computer.

Conclusion

Adding Python packages in Visual Studio is a crucial feature for every developer looking to build scalable, robust, and efficient Python applications. By following the steps outlined above, developers can add any desired package in Visual Studio with ease. However, it is essential to ensure the correct setup to avoid conflicts with dependencies, modules or libraries, which may result in the application’s malfunction or failure.