Best VS Code Extensions for Python Developers

Python is a multi-purpose, high-level, interpreted programming language widely used across many domains. It is used in web development, data analysis, machine learning, system scripting, automation, and more. It is a beginner-friendly language with simple and easy-to-understand syntax. It is platform-independent and has a huge community for support.

Visual Studio Code has established itself as one of the most powerful code editors, with a majority of developers relying on it. This product is by Microsoft, and to add more value, it is open source. It is a free, very light, yet incredibly potent text editor that can serve a multitude of programming tasks. The editor runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. In fact, at present, over 75% of programmers use VS Code or its derivative versions, e.g., Cursor and VSCodium. Besides supporting tons of programming languages, it also boasts one of the finest extension ecosystems.

Visual Studio Code extensions are tools that enhance the Editor's functionality. They allow developers to customise their development environment according to their needs. Many developers have contributed to building these extensions. Visual Studio Code has its own marketplace, where you can find extensions that improve your development experience based on your requirements.

Here, we will explore the best VS Code Extensions for Python Developers that they should know and use. These extensions can help improve productivity and reduce development time.

Python

The Python extension in VS Code provides rich support for the Python programming language. It integrates features like IntelliSense, debugging, formatting, and more. For any Python developer, it is an essential extension. Microsoft officially develops it. You can find it in the marketplace or the VS Code extension store.
Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python.

Pylance

Pylance is a Visual Studio Code extension that works with the Python extension to provide enhanced support for Python development. Pyright powers this extension and is responsible for type checking. It offers rich type information and improved IntelliSense, helping every developer to write code faster and more accurately. Microsoft also develops it.
Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.vscode-pylance.

Black Formatter

This is one of the best VS Code extensions for Python programming. It helps format your Python code automatically, restructuring it into a clean and consistent style. This makes the code easier for other developers to read and maintain.
Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.black-formatter.

Code Runner

One of the most useful extensions that every developer should use. It is not limited to Python developers but works for many programming languages. It lets you run your code with a single click, without having to open the terminal to execute commands.
Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=formulahendry.code-runner.

Indent-Rainbow

A simple yet powerful VS Code extension. It improves indentation readability, which is especially important in Python. It visually distinguishes indentation levels by applying different colours, making the code structure easier to understand.
Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=oderwat.indent-rainbo.w.

Jupyter

The Jupyter extension provides notebook support for language kernels supported in Jupyter notebooks and allows the Python environment to be used as a Jupyter kernel. This extension uses VS Code's built-in notebook support.

Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-toolsai.jupyt.er.

Flake8

The Flake8 extension in VS Code helps lint Python code. It provides feedback on the code you write, helping improve code quality and productivity. It also offers features like customising linting rules, selecting Python versions, and more.

Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.flake8.

Postman

If you are a web developer working with APIs, Postman is already well known. Recently, Postman introduced its official VS Code extension, allowing you to develop and test APIs directly within VS Code. There is no need to install a separate application, as it provides all the essential features inside the editor.

Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Postman.postman-for-vscode.

Mypy Type Checker

The Mypy Type Checker is a VS Code extension that helps ensure type safety for Python developers. It identifies errors and warnings in your code through static type checking. It supports a wide range of type-checking features and can be customised according to developer needs.

Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.mypy-type-checke.r.

GitLens

GitLens is a powerful open-source VS Code extension developed and maintained by GitKraken. Since version control is essential for developers, this extension enhances VS Code's built-in Git capabilities. It provides advanced features, including blame annotations, hover insights, and more. It also supports pull request reviews, GitHub Actions, and developer collaboration, with highly customizable options.

Get it from here: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=eamodio.gitlens

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code is a code editor that every developer should use. It is different from others because of its extensions and strong community support. As a Python developer, you should use different extensions to boost your productivity. There are many extensions available, but as a developer, you should choose those that genuinely improve your workflow. I have included some extensions in this list that I personally use in my development to enhance productivity.