How can I set up and select a Python virtual environment in Visual Studio Code?
I created a virtual environment in my project folder using the following command:
bash python m venv venv
However, when I run the Select Python Interpreter command in Visual Studio Code, my venv folder is not listed. I even tried going one level up, as suggested in some guides, but Visual Studio Code still doesn’t detect my virtual environment.
What am I missing to properly configure my vscode python virtualenv?
Okay, here’s what I usually do when I need to set up my vscode python virtualenv and it’s not showing up in the interpreter list. It’s pretty simple, but it might take a few steps to get everything working perfectly.
First, open the folder that contains your venv folder in a command prompt or terminal. Then, type code . and hit Enter. This works well for both Windows and Linux and helps ensure VS Code detects the environment.
If that doesn’t work, no worries—just head over to File → Preferences → Settings in the VS Code menu. From there, click on Workspace Settings, and under the Files: Association section, find JSON: Schemas and click Edit in settings.json.
Now, here’s where you’ll need to specify the path to your virtual environment:
"python.defaultInterpreterPath": "Your_venv_path/bin/python"
"python.defaultInterpreterPath": "Your_venv_path\\Scripts\\python.exe"
If you’re using an older version of VS Code, it may use "python.pythonPath" instead. After making this change, restart VS Code, and your vscode python virtualenv should appear in the interpreter options. It’s a small but effective tweak!
Ah, I see where you’re coming from! That was a good first step. Now, if your vscode python virtualenv isn’t showing up even after setting the interpreter path, here’s another thing I try out.
Start by opening up the terminal in Visual Studio Code. From here, manually activate the virtual environment. On Linux/Mac, you’ll use:
source venv/bin/activate
And on Windows, it’s:
venv\Scripts\activate
Once activated, VS Code should automatically detect the virtual environment within the current workspace. But if it doesn’t show up, just head to the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P) and run the Select Python Interpreter command. From the list, choose the virtual environment or, if it still doesn’t appear, manually browse to its location.
That should get it working smoothly for you. It’s all about getting the path and activation right!
Looks like you’ve covered a lot of ground already! Another thing to check is whether the Python extension for VS Code is installed—this is super crucial for smooth integration with your vscode python virtualenv.
If you haven’t installed it yet, just search for ‘Python’ in the Extensions Marketplace within VS Code, and install the first one you see. Once it’s done, reload the VS Code window.
Now, to set the vscode python virtualenv as your default interpreter, open the Command Palette again (Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P) and type Python: Select Interpreter. If your virtual environment still isn’t showing, hit Enter Interpreter Path, and manually find the python executable within your virtual environment folder:
venv/bin/python
venv\Scripts\python.exe
That will link the virtual environment to your workspace. From now on, you should be all set to use your vscode python virtualenv without any hiccups