In each of the following sections, we’ll cover how to install and configure Python on a Windows-based development machine. Most of the instructions are identical for running an Integrated Development Environment (ISE) for use with Python on other operating systems. We’ll continue to use Visual Studio Code as our IDE of choice, but you can choose another if that’s your wish. This chapter is heavily influenced by Python in Visual Studio Code.
Base System Description
The operating system we use in the steps below is Windows 10. It has no other software installed, save Windows Updates.
As stated above, Python (and Visual Studio Code) run on nearly any hardware, so the steps may be slightly different for Linux or macOS but should follow the same basic logic. When necessary, we’ll be sure to include OS-specific notes in each section.
Installing Visual Studio Code
Navigate to the Visual Studio Code web site and download the most recent stable build for your operating system. The website is pretty good at automatically detecting your operating system, but if you need a different one click the other platforms link to see the available versions.
We do not recommend using the web-based version for development purposes because the computer running your platform will need to access your SolarWinds Platform infrastructure. If following best practices, that infrastructure is blocked from outside your corporate firewall.
At the time of this writing the current version is 1.74.2, but don’t get hung up on the version. Visual Studio Code is always evolving and will update itself monthly.
Your downloaded installer on Windows should be named “VSCodeUserSetup-x64-<em>v</em>.<em>vv</em>.<em>v</em>.exe.” This is the preferred method of installation and does not require local admin rights. If multiple users will be simultaneously working on projects in VS Code on the same computer, you can elect to use the System installer instead, which will make the program available to all logged in users.
Run the installer and keep all the defaults, except choose not to open Visual Studio Code when installation is complete.
Continue to the [mention:04a4f164ba45473cacfcf714d8a313c9:6b577b8c04704e209d29b6772bf67243] section next.