Introduction
When working on Python projects, it is essential to use a virtual environment. A virtual environment allows you to isolate project dependencies, preventing conflicts between different projects. This guide explains how to create and activate a virtual environment in Python using VS Code.
Step 1: Open Your Project Folder in VS Code
- Launch VS Code.
- Open your project folder by clicking File → Open Folder (Windows/Linux) or Open… (macOS).
- Alternatively, use the command line to navigate to your project folder and open VS Code:
cd path/to/your/project
code .
Step 2: Create a Virtual Environment
To create a virtual environment, use the following command inside your project folder:
- Windows:
python -m venv venv - macOS/Linux:
python3 -m venv venv
This creates a folder named venv inside your project directory, which contains the isolated environment.
Step 3: Activate the Virtual Environment
- Windows (Command Prompt):
venv\Scripts\activate - Windows (PowerShell):
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1 - macOS/Linux:
source venv/bin/activate
Once activated, you should see the virtual environment name in your terminal prompt, indicating that it is active.
Step 4: Verify That the Virtual Environment Is Active
- Run the following command to check the Python interpreter being used:
python --version - If the correct Python version is displayed, your virtual environment is set up correctly.
Step 5: Deactivate the Virtual Environment
- To exit the virtual environment, simply run:
deactivate - This returns you to the system-wide Python installation.
Final Thoughts
Using a virtual environment in Python is a best practice for managing project dependencies. It helps avoid conflicts and ensures that each project has its own isolated dependencies.
Next Step: Learn how to install Python packages with pip in our next guide: How Do I Install Python Packages with pip?