This step by step guide will cover how to install Python so that it can be used for application development
in Visual Studio Code. While there are many development languaes to choose from, the author is learning
Python, so future guides will rely on that. This guide assumes the previous guides (see Prerequists below)
have been completed. Note the author has hidden certain fields (email addesses, account names, codes
and credentials, etc.) for security purposes using colored boxes.
Link to YouTube video: coming soon.
Prerequisits:
Ensure you have a valid email address.
Ensure you have a smartphone with a Two Factor Authentication tool such as Microsoft Authenticator.
Step 1: First, close Visual Studio Code, as you should install Python on your device and then install
the Visual Studio Code extensions later. Go to www.python.org and download the latest version. As with
previous installs, you may want to put the file into a "bin" folder, etc. prior to installing it.
Step 2: Once you execute the installation file, you should see the setup screen appear.
Check both boxes and then click the "Install Now" option unless you want to install Python in a custom
location (the author used the default).
Step 3: You may be prompted to allow the installation to continue. You should then see the
installation proceed.
Step 4: Once the installation is done, click "Close."
Step 5: Once the installation is done, click "Close."
Step 6: Restart your machine, and then start Visual Studio Code. Click on the "Extensions" menu
option on the right side and type "python" into the search box. You should see a list of results similar to
the below:
Step 7: Locate the "Python" language support extension from Microsoft and click the "Install" option.
You may also want to install the Python Debugger extension.
Step 8: If you get an error, you may need to download it manually. You can also try restarting VS
Code and try downloading it again (this worked for the author).
Step 9: Once the installation is done, you should see an update in Visual Studio Code, it will show
Python as "Installed." Note, the Python Debugger may automatically install. Once the installation is done,
you should restart Visual Studio Code.
Step 10: Once you restart Visual Studio Code and click the "Extensions" option, you should see the
Python options installed. Note that MS may automatically install other Python tools such as the Python
Debugger and Pylance.
Step 11: To confirm Python is working, click the "Toggle Panel" button so you can use the Command
Line Interface.
Step 12: On the window that appears, click the "Terminal" option.
Step 13: Type in "python" and press "Enter." You should see a result similar to the below indicating
Python is now successfully installed.
Step 14: Now that you have installed Python and some extensions in Visual Studio Code, you can either
proceed to additional Step By Step guides, or activate CoPilot, etc. These guides can be found in the main
Step By Step Guides page.