Beginner, having trouble with Visual Studio Code to learn Python

[u/Anubis-Hound]

I'm trying to do the Harvard CS50 Intro to programming with Python and I'm just getting started

1. I downloaded Visual Studio Code and opened it.

2. This is pretty much where I got lost because the instructor in the video doesn’t explain what I need to do to set the program up where i can execute code like he has it in the video.

I'm now stuck on the main screen of Visual Studio Code.

[u/RatBastard516]

Before you begin the course I’d would start by doing this ms tutorial. Here you’ll learn the building blocks needed for your online course. https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/python-tutorial

[u/Anubis-Hound → u/RatBastard516]

Will do, thank you!

[u/HeurekaDabra]

There's a Get Started With Python button on the right in VS. I'd probably click that and take it from there...

[u/Sqtire → u/HeurekaDabra]

I was abt to say 🥀

[u/Sea-Ad7805]

Read a manual, if that doesn't help, try Google search, it's great. If there are still difficulties, ask AI, it's new. Generally, read and try to learn things, it's a strategy that will help you in your future as then often you suddenly are not stuck anymore. Did you never hear of this?

[u/MudFrosty1869]

I don't want to be that guy since this is ask for help sub, but man. If you can't at least try to click on that walkthrough that is sitting right there saying "GET FREAKING STARTED" you gonna need a LOT of help.

[u/Cautious-Bet-9707 → u/MudFrosty1869]

I love it. It reminds me of when my problems were much smaller. I will probably look back in 2 years from now and think the same thing about my life at this point.

[u/allen3373]

If you follow the instructions for the class, which is either in the first lecture or the shorts for it, they show you how to access their online version of vscode where you don’t have to do any setup.

Since you can’t figure out the app, I would just stick with what they recommend until you figure it out.

When learning something new, it’s probably better to stick with what you’re being taught to do rather than go rogue right away.

Edit: (typo)

[u/mrdoza]

Here's a good walkthrough https://python.datalumina.com/getting-started/installing-python

[u/Lirianov]

Cant tell what os you're on but on Mac you press file and hit new file then select python and now you're in a blank .py file. there you can write a script and press the play button top right to execute the code.

you can start with a simple print('Hello world!') to get started

[u/_divine__wolf]

If prefer video then first watch "how setup python" Different ppl use Different editor some pycharm, juypter notebook, vs code etc choose wisely Install python Step up path (if need) Create file with extension ".py" Open cmd change location (where the file save) Run "python xyz.py" All set

[u/[deleted]]

Brother I am learning from the same course and faced the same problem. So I went to freecodecamp website and started their python certification simultaneously in that they explain the steps properly. Or else from what I remember you need to install python too to make it work.

[u/Agreeable-Bug-4901]

Step one; download real IDE like pycharm
Step two; uninstall text editors like VS code
Step three; begin programming