Initializing a Python Project in Visual Studio Code

Creating a Python project involves more than just writing code. It entails setting up an organized file structure, managing dependencies, and even integrating version control for collaborative development. In this article, we’ll go through the steps to initialize a Python project in VS Code, install the necessary dependencies, and set up a GitHub repository for version control.

Step 1: Create a New Folder in VS Code

Open Visual Studio Code and create a new folder for your Python project using the “New Folder” button. This folder will be the root directory of your Python project.

Step 2: Initialize a Virtual Environment

1. Open the terminal in VS Code by navigating to View > Terminal or pressing Ctrl+~.
2. Run the following command to create a virtual environment. Replace myenv with your desired name.

   1	python -m venv myenv

Step 3: Activate the Virtual Environment

Activate your virtual environment by running:

• On Windows:

  1	.\myenv\Scripts\Activate

• On macOS and Linux:

  1	source myenv/bin/activate

Step 4: Install Required Packages

Install the required Python packages by running the following command:

1

pip install requests google_images_search

Step 5: Create Python Files

Create a new Python file (main.py, for example) and paste your Python code into it.

Initialize GitHub Repository

Step 1: Initialize Local Repository

In the terminal, run:

1

git init

Step 2: Create .gitignore File

Create a .gitignore file and add the following:

1
2
3
4

myenv/
__pycache__/
*.pyc
*.pyo

Step 3: Add and Commit Files

Run the following commands to add and commit your files locally:

1
2

git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"

Step 4: Create a GitHub Repository

Log in to your GitHub account and create a new repository.

Step 5: Link Local Repository to GitHub

Replace your-repo-url with the URL of your GitHub repository and run:

1

git remote add origin your-repo-url

Step 6: Push to GitHub

Push your local commits to the GitHub repository:

1

git push -u origin master

Cheers! 🍺