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Setting Up Python in VS Code ​

Once VS Code is installed, the next step is setting up Python — the core language used for simulations, automation, and scientific computing at Avkalan Labs. VS Code provides excellent Python support through extensions and built-in integrations for environments, Jupyter notebooks, and debugging.

Let’s go through the setup process step-by-step.

Install the Python Extension ​

First, install the official Python extension by Microsoft.

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Click on the Extensions icon (📦) on the left sidebar.
  3. Search for “Python” by Microsoft (ms-python.python).
  4. Click Install.

This extension adds everything you need — syntax highlighting, linting, debugging, and notebook support.

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Verify Python Installation ​

Before linking Python with VS Code, make sure it’s installed on your system. Open your terminal and run:

bash
python3 --version

or (on some Windows systems):

bash
python --version

If you see a version number like Python 3.10.12, you’re good to go.

Python version check

If Python is not installed, download and install it from the official site: 👉 https://www.python.org/downloads

During installation (on Windows), make sure to check the box: “Add Python to PATH”

Note:
If you encounter errors while running the above commands, ensure Python is installed on your system.

Selecting the Python Interpreter ​

Once Python is installed, VS Code needs to know which environment or interpreter to use.

To select it:

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P on Mac).
  2. Type and select “Python: Select Interpreter”.
  3. Choose the interpreter you want (for example, Python 3.10.12 (WSL) or a virtual environment).

You’ll see the active interpreter displayed in the bottom-right corner of VS Code’s status bar.

Python interpreter selection

Tip: If you’re using Docker or WSL, VS Code can automatically detect the Python interpreter inside those environments too.

Running a Python Script ​

Let’s test the setup with a simple script. Create a file called test.py and add:

python
print("Python setup successful in VS Code!")

Save the file, then run it in one of the following ways:

  • Option 1: Right-click in the editor → Run Python File in Terminal
  • Option 2: Press Ctrl + F5 (or Fn + F5 on Mac)
  • Option 3: Open the terminal and type:
bash
python test.py

You should see the output:

Python setup successful in VS Code!

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Setting Up Jupyter Support (Optional) ​

If you’ll be working with simulation notebooks, install the Jupyter extension:

  1. Open the Extensions view.
  2. Search for “Jupyter” (ms-toolsai.jupyter).
  3. Click Install.

Once installed, you can open .ipynb files directly inside VS Code — just like in a Jupyter Notebook environment.

Summary ​

You’ve now:

  • Installed the Python extension in VS Code
  • Verified your Python installation
  • Selected the correct interpreter
  • Run your first Python script successfully
  • (Optionally) Added notebook and auto-formatting support

Your VS Code is now ready for Python-based simulation and scientific computing.