Summary

The website provides a comprehensive guide on setting up the default Python interpreter in Visual Studio Code, including the installation of the Python extension and configuring Pylint for error checking.

Abstract

The article titled "How to Set Default Python Interpreter in VS Code" serves as a step-by-step guide for Python developers using Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It begins by acknowledging VS Code's popularity among developers, as evidenced by the PYPL Index. The guide instructs users on downloading VS Code, installing the Python extension, and setting the default Python interpreter by locating the Python path on their system. It also covers the activation of Pylint within VS Code to facilitate formatting and error detection. The author, Nibesh Khadka, concludes by inviting readers to reach out for Google Apps Script services and directs them to his other works and community platforms.

Opinions

The author implies that VS Code is a preferred Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Python developers, supported by its high ranking on the PYPL Index.
The inclusion of a Python extension is presented as a necessary step for using Python in VS Code.
Configuring the Python interpreter path in VS Code settings is emphasized as an important step for Python development.
The use of Pylint is recommended for its ability to highlight errors and improve code quality.
The author expresses a willingness to provide additional services, such as creating Google Add-Ons and writing Google Apps Scripts, suggesting a commitment to supporting the developer community.
The invitation to check out the author's other blogs and join the community Discord indicates a desire to foster a community of learners and share knowledge beyond the scope of the article.

How to Set Default Python Interpreter in VS Code

A guide on how to set up your Visual Studio Code for Python operations.

Visual Studio Code is one of the most popular IDE for developers. A screenshot of the PYPL Index for VS code is as follows for the US:

The graph contains only IDEs that are common among Python developers, but they are not the only ones on the list.

VS Code can be downloaded from this link: https://code.visualstudio.com/download.

Important Setup For Python

After the installation, there are a few things that are required to be set up if you want to use Python in VS code.

Python Extension

Open Visual Studio Code
Click the extension button on your left
Type “Python”, and you will see the Python extension on the top among the list of extensions, choose that.
Click install, it should be enabled automatically, if not enable it.

Python Interpreter

The next thing we need to set up is the default Python interpreter. To do that first we need our Python path.

Find out the path for windows

For Windows users, if you do not know the path, open your command prompt, and then:

Type Python to open the Python shell.
Type the following command, and be aware of indentation:

import sys

for pth in sys.path:
    print(pth)

Copy the path like the one highlighted. Mine is Python 3.9, yours can be different.

Now that you know the path, let's set it up in vs code.

Go to File > Preferences > Settings or Press “Ctrl + ,”.

2. Choose User > Extensions>Python > Python Path and paste the path that we copied earlier. Remember the path is not complete. So, add “\python.exe” in the end.

Now at the bottom left, you will be able to see the Python interpreter name like in the pic above >>> Python 3.9.4 64-bit <<<

For Linux its simply : /bin/python_Version for instance: /bin/python3

Pylint for Formatting

It's easier to check and reduce errors if they are highlighted. Hence comes Pylint.

On your VS code press Ctrl + Shift + P, to open the command palette.
Type and select “Python: Select Linter”.
Choose PyLint from the list.

Now, your Visual Studio Code is set for Python operations.

Thank You for Your Time

I make Google Add-Ons and can also write Google Apps Scripts for you. If you need my services let me know.

Checkout my other blogs at kcl.hashnode.dev

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