Setting Up Your Python Development Environment (CLI + VS Code)

If you’re getting started with Python, one of the first and most important steps is to set up a proper development environment. This guide will walk you through two ways to do it: using the command line and using Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Whether you’re a beginner or looking for best practices, this post covers both.

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🔧 Command Line Method

✅ Step 1: Install Python

• Windows:
  • Download the installer from python.org
  • Run the installer and check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” before clicking “Install Now”.
• Linux (Debian/Ubuntu):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv

✅ Step 2: Create a Project Directory

mkdir my-python-project
cd my-python-project

✅ Step 3: Create a Virtual Environment

python -m venv .venv

Note: Use python instead of python3 on Windows.

✅ Step 4: Activate the Environment

• Windows:

.venv\Scripts\activate

• Linux:

source .venv/bin/activate

Once activated, you’ll see your environment name (e.g., .venv) as a prefix in your terminal prompt, like this:

(.venv) user@machine:~/my-python-project$

This prefix indicates that you’re currently working inside the virtual environment.

✅ Step 5: Upgrade pip and Install Packages

python -m pip install --upgrade pip
pip install requests flask

✅ Step 6: Save Requirements

pip freeze > requirements.txt

✅ Step 7: Deactivate (When Done)

deactivate

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👨‍💻 VS Code Method

✅ Step 1: Install VS Code

Download from code.visualstudio.com

✅ Step 2: Install Python Extension

• Open VS Code
• Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
• Search “Python” and install the one from Microsoft

✅ Step 3: Open Project Folder

• File > Open Folder… > select your project folder (e.g., my-python-project)

✅ Step 4: Create a Virtual Environment

Open a new terminal inside VS Code:

• Menu: Terminal > New Terminal
• Then run:

python -m venv .venv

✅ Step 5: Select the Python Interpreter

• Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette
• Type and select: Python: Select Interpreter
• From the list, choose the interpreter path like:
  • Windows: .venv\Scripts\python.exe
  • Linux: .venv/bin/python

Once selected, the bottom-left status bar will show your environment name (e.g., .venv).

✅ Step 6: Activate Environment in Terminal

If the environment isn’t automatically activated in the terminal:

• Open settings.json (Ctrl+Shift+P → Preferences: Open Settings (JSON))
• Add:

"python.terminal.activateEnvironment": true

✅ Step 7: Run Your Python Code

• Create a new file app.py
• Add sample code:

print("Hello, Python World!")

• Right-click on the file editor and select “Run Python File in Terminal”
• You should see (.venv) as a prefix in the terminal, confirming activation.

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📆 Final Thoughts

Setting up your Python environment correctly makes development easier, cleaner, and more scalable. Use a virtual environment for every project to avoid dependency conflicts, and let VS Code’s features enhance your productivity.

Happy coding! 🚀