Extension Setup
Install the official Python and Jupyter extensions in VS Code and understand what each one adds to the editor.
Level 0 • Foundation + Jupyter
Interactive Python Notebooks in VS Code
Set up a lightweight Python notebook workflow in VS Code using the Python and Jupyter
extensions. This lesson shows how to create a virtual environment, open a .ipynb file,
and run your first interactive notebook cell.
Level 0
Foundation setup before core Python
VS Code Workflow
Python + Jupyter without heavy extras
Notebook Included
Run a simple Hello World demo
What you will learn
- How to install the Microsoft
Pythonextension in VS Code - How to install the Microsoft
Jupyterextension - Why a
.venvvirtual environment is useful for clean projects - How to select the correct Python interpreter in VS Code
- What a
.ipynbfile is and how notebook cells work - How to run a simple notebook cell and view inline output
Watch the Video Lesson
Follow along as the environment is set up from scratch, then open the demo notebook and run the same example yourself.
Lesson Topics
This foundation lesson keeps the focus on getting ready to learn Python with interactive notebooks, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Virtual Environment
Create a project-specific .venv so your Python work stays isolated, cleaner, and easier to manage later.
Notebook Basics
Open a hello.ipynb file, write a first cell, run it, and see output appear directly beneath the code.
Covered in this class
- Trusting a workspace in VS Code
- Installing Python and Jupyter extensions
- Creating a
VENVenvironment - Selecting the correct interpreter
- Creating a
.ipynbnotebook file - Running a simple
print("Hello World")example
Why this matters
- Interactive notebooks are a friendly way to explore Python step by step
- Inline output makes experimentation easier for beginners
- Virtual environments prepare you for real project hygiene early
- This setup flows naturally into later lessons on syntax, variables, loops, and math
Download the Demo Notebook
Use the sample notebook to confirm your setup works and to get comfortable running cells in VS Code.
Hello Notebook
Download the starter notebook and run the example in your own environment.
Tip: After you run the notebook once, change the printed message and run it again. Small experiments like that are one of the fastest ways to become comfortable with Python notebooks.