VScode notes

Install vscode from https://code.visualstudio.com/download

Install the command line version as well. On windows, this should be done as part of the install. On MacOS, you need to open the vscode command pallette (⌘shift-P) and type

Shell Command: Install code in PATH

once that is done, you should be able to start vscode from the command line in a particular folder by typing:

code .

Suggested Extensions

On the left you will see four boxes, one moved up. Here you can add extensions. You will need some just to run notebooks etc. We suggest:

  • Python

  • Pylance (this one installed with Python for me)

  • Jupyter (again came with Python for me)

  • C/C++

  • Clipboard

  • Code Spell Checker

  • Gitlens

Notebooks

In class I will demonstrate using VSCode with notebooks and with python modules. When you open either, you will be asked to choose your kernel (numeric_2022) and an interpreter (the python associated with numeric_2022).

The notebooks are not VSCode ready and you will see non-rendered pieces. Technology changes and we are always behind.

I will show you some of the strengths of VSCode for editing notebooks focusing on its real editor powers: spellchecking and multiple corrections

Python Modules

I will show you in class some of the super features of editing in VScode including:

  • code colouring

  • built in information on functions

  • click on variable, see everywhere it is used

  • checks alignment (whitespace)

  • marks changes you’ve made

  • typo in variable leading to undefined

  • undefined function: colour changes to white

  • making a change, then using the git integration to save, stage and commit