Upgrade Your Python Workflow with the Latest Extensions
Visual Studio Code's May 2025 release for Python delivers powerful new tools to help developers streamline coding, manage environments effortlessly, and leverage intelligent assistance. These updates focus on making development smoother, faster, and more intuitive—perfect for both beginners and seasoned Pythonistas.
Effortless Python Environment Setup
The Python Environments extension now features a Quick Create command that lets you create virtual environments in seconds. With just one command, VS Code detects your latest Python installation, creates a new environment, and installs all necessary dependencies for your project. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across your workflows.
- Python: Create Environment command simplifies environment setup
- Automatic detection of required dependencies
- Streamlined onboarding for new projects or contributors
Intelligent chat tools further enhance the experience. The “Get Python Environment Information” tool reveals detailed environment stats, while the “Install Python Package” tool ensures dependencies are installed in the right place, removing the pain of manual package management.
Smarter Terminal Activation (Experimental)
An experimental feature now allows for automatic terminal activation of environments. By configuring the python-envs.terminal.autoActivationType setting, you can opt for either command-based activation or have your shell’s startup script auto-select the correct environment every time. This flexibility helps maintain smooth workflows and easy reversibility if you need to roll back changes.
Pylance Enhancements: Visual Editing Meets AI
The Pylance extension now introduces a built-in color picker for color values in Python files. Enable this setting to quickly preview and edit color codes without leaving your editor, which is invaluable for data visualization or design-heavy projects.
Experimental AI Code Actions make code modernization easier than ever. With options to convert string concatenations to f-string or format() using Copilot, and automated symbol generation and movement, routine refactoring becomes a breeze. These tools help you write cleaner, more efficient code with minimal manual effort.
Connect with the Team at PyCon US 2025
Meet the Python Tools team in person at PyCon US 2025 in Pittsburgh. Visit booth #301 to chat with the developers, grab exclusive swag, and attend talks on AI, Azure development, spreadsheets, JIT, and ongoing Python improvements. It’s a great chance to learn, network, and get inspired by the Python community's latest advancements.
More Improvements and Community Thanks
This release also introduces user-requested upgrades and fixes for Python and Jupyter Notebooks in VS Code. Highlights include branch coverage support in the Testing Explorer (with coveragepy 7.7+), better REPL state management, improved Django test coverage, and smarter language service activation. The development team recognizes community contributors whose feedback and code continue to enhance the platform for everyone.
Takeaway: Modern Tools for Modern Python Developers
Visual Studio Code’s May 2025 update for Python is a major step forward in productivity and usability. Developers are encouraged to explore the latest features, integrate them into their projects, and share feedback on GitHub. These enhancements underscore a strong commitment to making Python development in VS Code faster, smarter, and more enjoyable.
Unlocking Productivity: What’s New in Python for Visual Studio Code May 2025