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Pylance: The Ultimate Python Language Server Extension for Visual Studio Code

Rajiv Chandra
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Rajiv Chandra

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Python developers, it's time to elevate your coding experience in Visual Studio Code with Pylance, the latest language server for Python from Microsoft. This powerful extension is a massive productivity enhancer, offering advanced IntelliSense, syntax highlighting, and improved package import resolution. Let's dive into the world of Pylance and discover how it can boost your Python development.

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What is Pylance and What is it Used For?

Pylance is a Visual Studio Code extension that uses the Language Server Protocol to provide enhanced Python language services. It's named after Monty Python's character, Sir Lancelot, symbolizing its strength and speed in Python code intelligence.

Pylance is designed to supercharge your Python development experience with features like fast and efficient IntelliSense, auto-imports, type checking, and multi-root workspace support. It's a significant upgrade from the default Python extension, offering more accuracy and speed in coding assistance.

Pylance VS Pyright: What's the Difference?

Pylance and Pyright are closely related, but they serve different purposes. Pyright is a fast type checker for Python developed by Microsoft, while Pylance is a Visual Studio Code extension that uses Pyright at its core for static type checking.

The main difference lies in their functionality. Pyright focuses on type checking, while Pylance provides a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the Python development experience, including IntelliSense, auto-imports, and syntax highlighting. In essence, Pylance is like Pyright but with added features for an integrated development environment.

How to Install Pylance in VS Code

Installing Pylance in Visual Studio Code is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Visual Studio Code.
  2. Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
  3. Search for "Pylance" in the marketplace.
  4. Click on the install button.

Once installed, you'll need to set Pylance as your Python Language Server:

  1. Open the settings (File > Preferences > Settings).
  2. Search for "Python Language Server".
  3. Select "Pylance" from the dropdown menu.

And voila! You're all set to enjoy a superior Python coding experience with Pylance.

Continuing from the previous part, here are the remaining segments:

What are the Features of Pylance?

Pylance is packed with features designed to enhance your Python development experience in Visual Studio Code. Here are some of the key features:

  1. Fast and Efficient IntelliSense: Pylance provides quick and accurate auto-completions, function signatures, and documentation on hover, making your coding process smoother and more efficient.

  2. Type Checking: With Pyright at its core, Pylance offers robust static type checking, ensuring your code is error-free before runtime.

  3. Syntax Highlighting: Pylance enhances readability of your Python code with syntax highlighting, making it easier to understand the structure and semantics of your code.

  4. Auto-imports: Pylance can automatically add import statements for modules and objects as you type, saving you time and effort.

  5. Multi-root Workspace Support: Pylance supports multi-root workspaces, allowing you to work with multiple Python projects in a single Visual Studio Code window.

Does Pylance Support Python 2?

Pylance is designed to support Python 3.5 and newer versions. While it may work with Python 2 code to some extent, it's not officially supported. Microsoft recommends using Python 3 with Pylance for the best experience.

How to Turn Off VS Code's Python Auto-fix Feature in Pylance?

If you prefer to manually fix your Python code, you can turn off the auto-fix feature in Visual Studio Code. Here's how:

  1. Open the settings (File > Preferences > Settings).
  2. Search for "Python Auto Complete".
  3. Uncheck the "Add Brackets to Complete Statement" and "Auto Import" options.

This will disable the auto-fix feature in Pylance, giving you full control over your Python code corrections.

FAQs

  1. What is Pylance used for?

Pylance is used to enhance the Python development experience in Visual Studio Code. It provides fast and efficient IntelliSense, auto-imports, type checking, and multi-root workspace support.

  1. What is the difference between Pylance and Pyright?

Pyright is a fast type checker for Python, while Pylance is a Visual Studio Code extension that uses Pyright for static type checking and offers additional features like IntelliSense and auto-imports.

  1. How to install Pylance in VS Code?

You can install Pylance from the Visual Studio Code marketplace. Once installed, set Pylance as your Python Language Server in the settings.