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Visual Studio Code

Modern, extensible code editor with excellent Python support

Developer Tools & Best Practices Essential Core Tool
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Quick Info
  • Category: Developer Tools & Best Practices
  • Level: Essential
  • Type: Core Tool

Why We Recommend Visual Studio Code

VS Code combines the simplicity of a text editor with powerful IDE features. Its Python and Jupyter extensions provide an excellent environment for scientific computing, with features like interactive debugging, code completion, and integrated terminals.

Common Use Cases

  • Write and edit Python scripts
  • Work with Jupyter notebooks
  • Debug code interactively
  • Manage Git repositories visually

Getting Started

Visual Studio Code is a powerful, lightweight code editor used for developing software. It supports various programming languages through extensions and provides an excellent environment for Python development and data science work.

Why VS Code?

  • Free & Open Source: Completely free with active community development
  • Extensible: Thousands of extensions for any language or tool
  • Integrated Tools: Built-in terminal, debugger, and Git integration
  • Jupyter Support: Work with notebooks directly in the editor
  • Remote Development: Edit files on remote servers or in containers

Installation

Download and install Visual Studio Code from the official website. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Essential Extensions for Research

Python Development

  • Python - IntelliSense, debugging, code navigation
  • Jupyter - Run and edit Jupyter notebooks
  • Pylance - Fast, feature-rich Python language support

Collaboration & Version Control

  • GitLens - Supercharge Git integration
  • Live Share - Real-time collaborative editing

Data & Visualization

  • Data Wrangler - Explore and clean data visually
  • Rainbow CSV - Colorize CSV files for easier reading

Tips

  • Learn keyboard shortcuts to improve efficiency (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P for command palette)
  • Customize your theme and settings
  • Use the integrated terminal for running commands
  • Enable autosave to never lose work
  • Use Zen Mode (Ctrl+K Z) for distraction-free coding

Getting Started with Python

  1. Install the Python extension
  2. Select your Python interpreter (Ctrl+Shift+P → “Python: Select Interpreter”)
  3. Open a .py file or create a new one
  4. Run code using the play button or Ctrl+Alt+N

Resources

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