Top 10 Best Python Extensions

Must have extensions in VS CODE editor for Data Science Projects

Abdul Hadi
4 min readDec 1, 2024
Photo by Artturi Jalli on Unsplash

Vs code is one of the best code editors for python. Visual studio Code offers variety of features for different languages. Similarly it offers different useful extensions for python. Extensions are very helpful in writing clean, readable and manageable code with now errors.

We have compiled list of top 10 extensions for Python. This will not only help you to write efficient code but also beautify and ordered your code. Installing these extensions will enhance your coding strategy.

1. Python by Microsoft

The Python extension by Microsoft is an essential tool for Python development in VS Code. It provides IntelliSense, linting, debugging, and code navigation.

By Author

Key Features:

● Syntax highlighting

● Linting support for pylint or flake8

● Built-in debugging capabilities

2. Pylance:

Pylance offers fast, feature-rich language support with intelligent type checking and code completion.

By Author

Key Features:

● Type hints and auto-import suggestions

● Advanced IntelliSense

● PEP 484 type-checking support

3. Visual Studio IntelliCode

IntelliCode: uses AI to provide context-aware code completions, learning from millions of open-source GitHub projects.

Key Features:

● Personalized suggestions

● Smart completions for loops, conditionals, and method calls

Example:

Start typing:

By Author

4. Black Formatter

Black is a popular code formatter for Python. This extension automatically formats your code to adhere to PEP 8 standards.

Key Features:

● Auto-format code on save

● Enforces consistent styling

Example:

Before formatting:

By Author

5. Python Docstring Generator

Writing documentation is crucial for maintaining clean code. This extension generates docstrings automatically.

Key Features:

5. Python Docstring Generator

Writing documentation is crucial for maintaining clean code. This extension generates docstrings automatically.

Key Features:

● Support for Google, Sphinx, and NumPy docstring styles

● Auto-generates docstrings for functions and classes

Example:

Start typing a function:

By Author

6. GitLens

GitLens improves version control by adding inline Git annotations and repository insights.

Key Features:

● Inline blame for file edits

● Detailed commit history

Example:

Hover over a line of code to see:

7. Jupyter

The Jupyter extension makes it super easy to integrate Jupyter Notebooks into VS Code. It lets you run Python notebooks interactively and ensures a smooth, efficient workflow for your coding.

Key Features:

● Run code cells inline

● Export notebooks as Python scripts

Example:

Type # %% to create a cell in your Python file:

8. Sort Lines

Organize your code effortlessly with the Sort Lines extension.

Key Features:

● Sort lines alphabetically or by length

● Useful for organizing imports or lists

Example:

Before sorting:

By Author

9. Indent Rainbow

This extension colors indentation levels, making it easier to identify nested blocks of code.

Key Features:

● Highlights indentation levels with different colors

● Reduces errors in complex code

Example:

A nested block:

By Author

10. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

Bracket Pair Colorizer makes matching parentheses, brackets, and braces easier by coloring them.

Key Features:

● Color-coded brackets

● Highlights the corresponding opening or closing bracket

Example:

For complex expressions:

By Author

Let’s Conclude it:

These VS Code extensions help improve different parts of Python development, like writing code, debugging, and deployment. Whether you’re a new developer or have experience, using these extensions can make your work faster and your code better.

Here’s a quick recap of the extensions:

  1. Python by Microsoft
  2. Pylance
  3. Visual Studio IntelliCode
  4. Black Formatter
  5. Python Docstring Generator
  6. GitLens
  7. Jupyter
  8. Sort Lines
  9. Indent Rainbow
  10. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

Install these extensions from the VS Code Marketplace to take your Python development to the next level.

--

--

Abdul Hadi
Abdul Hadi

Written by Abdul Hadi

aim to engage, inform, and inspire readers through thoughtful writing.

Responses (2)