# Choosing Between VS Code and PyCharm for Python Development
URL: https://madhudadi.in/blog/posts/choosing-between-vs-code-and-pycharm-for-python-development
Published: 2026-06-10
Tags: python, setup
Read time: 46 min
Difficulty: beginner
> Set up VS Code or PyCharm for Python development. Install official extensions, select the interpreter, use the terminal, run scripts, debug code, and work with notebooks.# VS Code and PyCharm for Python: IDE Setup, Extensions, Interpreter, Terminal, and Debugging

## Quick Answer

Use VS Code if you want a lightweight editor that works across many languages. Use PyCharm if you want a Python-first IDE with more built-in project tooling.

For both tools, the most important setup step is selecting the correct Python interpreter.

Last verified: June 9, 2026.

VS Code public release notes currently show version **1.124**. PyCharm's current product line is unified PyCharm, where core Python features are free and Pro features are available through trial/subscription.

## Official Links

- VS Code download: https://code.visualstudio.com/Download
- VS Code Python docs: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/python
- VS Code Python extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python
- VS Code Jupyter extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-toolsai.jupyter
- PyCharm download: https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/
- Git downloads: https://git-scm.com/downloads

## What You Will Learn

By the end, you should be able to:

- choose VS Code or PyCharm
- install the right Python editor tools
- select a `.venv` interpreter
- run Python files
- debug Python code
- fix package visibility problems
- use notebooks from your editor

## 1. VS Code vs PyCharm

| Tool | Best for |
| --- | --- |
| VS Code | Lightweight coding, Python, web, notebooks, Git, extensions |
| PyCharm | Python-focused projects, deeper IDE tooling, project management |

Recommendation:

- Start with VS Code if you are learning Python and also want web/data/AI tools later.
- Choose PyCharm if you prefer a full Python IDE with more built-in guidance.

Both are good. The interpreter setup matters more than the editor choice.

## 2. Install VS Code

Download from:

```text
https://code.visualstudio.com/Download
```

Windows:

1. Download the Windows installer.
2. Run it.
3. Keep `Add to PATH` enabled if offered.
4. Open VS Code.

macOS:

1. Download the macOS build.
2. Drag Visual Studio Code into Applications.
3. Open VS Code.
4. Optional: install the `code` shell command from VS Code command palette.

If the download page offers separate builds, choose:

- Apple Silicon for M1, M2, M3, M4, and newer Apple chips
- Intel for older Intel Macs
- Universal if you want one build that works across both

## 3. Install VS Code Extensions

Install the official Microsoft Python extension:

```text
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python
```

Install the official Jupyter extension:

```text
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-toolsai.jupyter
```

In VS Code:

1. Open Extensions.
2. Search `Python`.
3. Install the Microsoft Python extension.
4. Search `Jupyter`.
5. Install the Microsoft Jupyter extension.

## 4. Open A Project Folder In VS Code

Do not open a random file alone. Open the whole project folder.

Windows:

```powershell
mkdir python-vscode-demo
cd python-vscode-demo
code .
```

macOS:

```bash
mkdir python-vscode-demo
cd python-vscode-demo
code .
```

If `code` is not available on macOS:

1. Open VS Code.
2. Press `Cmd+Shift+P`.
3. Run `Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH`.
4. Open a new terminal.

## 5. Create And Select A Virtual Environment In VS Code

Windows:

```powershell
py -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip install requests
```

macOS:

```bash
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python -m pip install requests
```

Then in VS Code:

1. Press `Ctrl+Shift+P` on Windows or `Cmd+Shift+P` on macOS.
2. Search `Python: Select Interpreter`.
3. Choose the interpreter inside `.venv`.
4. Open a `.py` file.
5. Confirm the selected interpreter appears in the status bar or Python environment picker.

If packages are missing in VS Code, the wrong interpreter is selected.

## 6. Run Python In VS Code

Create `hello.py`:

```python
import sys

print("Hello from VS Code")
print(sys.executable)
```

Run it using:

- the Run button
- right click -> Run Python File in Terminal
- terminal command

Windows:

```powershell
python hello.py
```

macOS:

```bash
python hello.py
```

If `.venv` is activated, `python` should be the environment Python.

## 7. Debug In VS Code

Add this file:

```python
def add_tax(price, rate):
    return price + (price * rate)

total = add_tax(100, 0.18)
print(total)
```

To debug:

1. Click beside a line number to add a breakpoint.
2. Press `F5` or choose Run and Debug.
3. Select Python debugger if asked.
4. Step through the code.

Debugging lets you see variable values while code runs.

## 8. Install PyCharm

Download from:

```text
https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/
```

PyCharm is now a unified product. Core Python development features are free, and Pro features are available through trial/subscription. PyCharm also includes Jupyter support in core functionality.

On macOS, choose the download that matches your chip:

- Apple Silicon for M1, M2, M3, M4, and newer Apple chips
- Intel for older Intel Macs

Beginner setup:

1. Download PyCharm.
2. Install it for your operating system.
3. Create a new project.
4. Choose a virtual environment for that project.

## 9. Select Python Interpreter In PyCharm

In PyCharm:

1. Open the project.
2. Go to Settings or Preferences.
3. Open Project -> Python Interpreter.
4. Choose the `.venv` interpreter.
5. Install packages through the terminal or package UI.

Windows `.venv` interpreter often looks like:

```text
.venv\Scripts\python.exe
```

macOS `.venv` interpreter often looks like:

```text
.venv/bin/python
```

## 10. Run And Debug In PyCharm

Create `hello.py`:

```python
print("Hello from PyCharm")
```

Right click the file and choose Run.

To debug:

1. Add a breakpoint.
2. Right click the file.
3. Choose Debug.
4. Step through variables.

## 11. Install Packages In IDEs

Terminal method after activating `.venv`:

```bash
python -m pip install pandas matplotlib
```

VS Code:

- open integrated terminal
- make sure `.venv` is active
- run pip through Python

PyCharm:

- use the built-in terminal, or
- use the interpreter package UI

Always install into the same interpreter selected by the IDE.

## 12. Jupyter In IDEs

For notebooks in VS Code:

1. Install the Jupyter extension.
2. Open a `.ipynb` file.
3. Choose the `.venv` kernel.

For notebooks in PyCharm:

1. Open or create a notebook.
2. Select the project interpreter/kernel.
3. Install missing packages into that interpreter.

If a notebook cannot import a package, its kernel is different from your terminal environment.

## 13. Common IDE Mistakes

### Package works in terminal but not VS Code

Select the `.venv` interpreter in VS Code.

Check inside VS Code terminal:

```bash
python -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)"
```

### VS Code cannot find Python

Check terminal first.

Windows:

```powershell
py --version
where.exe python
where.exe py
```

macOS:

```bash
python3 --version
which python3
```

Then restart VS Code.

### PyCharm created a different environment

Open interpreter settings and switch to the `.venv` inside your project.

### FileNotFoundError in IDE

Your working directory may be different. Open the full project folder and use paths relative to the project root.

## 14. Update Or Uninstall IDEs

VS Code:

- update from Help -> Check for Updates, or download the latest installer again
- uninstall from Windows Settings -> Apps or by removing the app from macOS Applications

PyCharm:

- update from the built-in JetBrains update flow or JetBrains Toolbox if you use it
- uninstall from Windows Settings -> Apps or by removing the app from macOS Applications

After updating an IDE, recheck the selected Python interpreter. Updates should not change it, but it is the first thing to verify if packages suddenly look missing.

## FAQ

### Which should I use first, VS Code or PyCharm?

Use VS Code if you want one editor for Python, web, data, and AI workflows. Use PyCharm if you want a Python-first IDE.

### Do I need both?

No. One is enough. Learning both later is useful, but not required.

### Why does the IDE not see my package?

The IDE is using a different Python interpreter or Jupyter kernel.

### Should I install packages from the IDE UI or terminal?

Terminal commands are easier to understand and repeat. Use the IDE UI after you understand environments.

## Final Checklist

Windows:

```powershell
py --version
py -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip install requests
python -c "import requests; print(requests.__version__)"
```

macOS:

```bash
python3 --version
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python -m pip install requests
python -c "import requests; print(requests.__version__)"
```

Then confirm your IDE uses the `.venv` interpreter.