Setting Up A Python Project On Windows

Follow these steps to create a clean, isolated Python workspace and use VS Code to develop and run your scripts.

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1. Create a Project Directory

1. Open File Explorer and create a new folder, e.g. C:\Users\You\projects\myapp.
2. Right-click inside the folder and choose Open in Terminal (or open Command Prompt and cd to it).

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2. Create a Virtual Environment

A virtual environment is a self-contained Python runtime (with its own pip, libraries, etc.), keeping your project’s dependencies isolated.

# In your project directory:
python -m venv .venv

• Creates a folder .venv\ with its own Python interpreter and site-packages.

• Keeps global Python installation clean.

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3. Activate the Virtual Environment

# Command Prompt (cmd.exe)
.venv\Scripts\activate

• Your prompt will change to show (.venv)

• Now, pip install will install packages into .venv, not system-wide.

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4. Install Packages

pip install requests flask

• Installing inside the venv ensures your project has exactly the right versions.

• You can freeze dependencies with pip freeze > requirements.txt.

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5. Create and Run a Python Script

1. Open any text editor.

2. Create a file named app.py with your code, e.g.:

   print("Hello, world!")

3. Save the file in your project folder.

4. In the terminal (with .venv active):

   python app.py

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6. Why Use an IDE Like VS Code?

• Automatic indentation and formatting

• Syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, linting

• Integrated terminal and debugger

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7. Open Your Project in VS Code

1. Launch VS Code.

2. File → Open Folder… and select your project directory.

3. Go to the Extensions pane (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for Python, and install the official extension.

4. Press Ctrl+Shift+P, type Python: Select Interpreter, and choose the one in .venv\Scripts\python.exe.

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8. Run Your Script in VS Code

• Open app.py.

• Click the ▶️ Run button at the top right, or press F5.

• View output in the integrated terminal.