Set Up a Python Developer Environment

Install VS Code, Python, and Git, then write and publish your first Python script.

Introduction

30 Second Summary

Every developer starts somewhere. Before writing a single line of code, professionals set up their tools the same way a chef organizes their kitchen before cooking.

In this project, you will install the same tools professional developers use every day, then write a Python script that creates a personalized daily planner you can run from your terminal each morning.

What You'll Build

A command-line daily planner script that collects your name, the day, and your top tasks, then outputs a formatted plan you can use every morning.

By the end of this project, you'll have:

  • A fully configured developer environment with VS Code, Python, and Git installed and verified on your system.
  • A working Python script that takes user input and prints a formatted daily plan to your terminal.
  • A GitHub repository containing your code, visible to anyone online.
  • Secret Mission: Upgrade your planner to save each day's plan to a text file, building a log you can look back on.

Are there any prerequisites?

No prior programming experience is needed. This guide walks you through installing every tool from scratch on Windows 10.

Install Your Developer Tools

Every professional developer relies on three core tools: a code editor to write code, a programming language to run it, and version control to track changes.

In this step, you will install VS Code (your code editor), Python (the programming language), and Git (version control). Once these are set up, you will have the same toolkit that professional developers use every day.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Install VS Code and add the Python extension.
  • Install Python 3.14 and verify it works from the terminal.
  • Install and configure Git with your identity.
Install VS Code

VS Code is a free code editor made by Microsoft. It is the most popular editor among developers because it supports every programming language through extensions.

  • Press the Windows key to open your search bar.
  • Type Edge or Chrome and press Enter to open your browser.
  • Go to https://code.visualstudio.com/Download.
  • Click the Windows download button.
  • Once the download finishes, open the downloaded installer file.
  • Follow the installer prompts and click through each screen.
  • Click Finish when the installation completes.

What about the PATH?

The VS Code User Setup installer automatically adds the code command to your PATH. This means you can open folders in VS Code directly from the terminal later in this project.

Now open VS Code for the first time.

  • Press the Windows key to open your search bar.
  • Type Visual Studio Code and press Enter to open it.

VS Code opens with a Welcome tab. You can close this tab.

Next, add the Python extension so VS Code understands Python code.

  • Click the Extensions icon in the left sidebar (it looks like four squares). You can also press Ctrl+Shift+X.
  • In the search bar at the top of the Extensions panel, type Python.
  • Find the result published by Microsoft (it should be the first result).
  • Click Install.

What does the Python extension do?

The Python extension adds language support to VS Code. It highlights your code with colors, flags errors as you type, and lets you run Python files directly from the editor.

You should now see the Python extension listed under your installed extensions with a Disable button visible (meaning it is active).

Extension not showing up?

Make sure you searched for Python (not "Python for VS Code" or similar). The correct one is published by Microsoft and has millions of downloads.

help me find and install the Python extension in VS Code

Install Python

Python is the programming language you will use to write your daily planner script. Installing it gives your computer the ability to understand and run Python code.

Do not skip the PATH checkbox

Before you click anything else, look at the bottom of the installer's first screen. You will see a checkbox that says Add python.exe to PATH. Make sure this is checked. If you miss it, your terminal will not be able to find Python later.

  • Check the box that says Add python.exe to PATH.
  • Click Install Now.
  • Wait for the installation to finish, then close the installer.

Now verify that Python installed correctly.

  • Press the Windows key to open your search bar.
  • Type Terminal and press Enter to open Windows Terminal.
  • Check your Python version by running this command:
python --version

✔️ I see Python 3.14.6

Python is installed correctly and ready to use. You can move on to the next tool.

ⓧ I see an older version

Your computer has a previous Python installation that is taking priority over the new one.

  • Press the Windows key and search for Add or remove programs.
  • Search for Python in the app list.
  • Uninstall any older Python versions you see listed.
  • Run the Python 3.14.6 installer again, making sure Add python.exe to PATH is checked.
  • Close and reopen Windows Terminal.
  • Run python --version again. You should now see Python 3.14.6.

help me fix Python version conflicts on Windows

ⓧ Command not found

The PATH was not set correctly during installation. You need to reinstall with the checkbox enabled.

  • Press the Windows key and search for Add or remove programs.
  • Search for Python and uninstall it.
  • Go back to https://www.python.org/downloads/ and download Python 3.14.6 again.
  • Run the installer. This time, check Add python.exe to PATH before clicking Install Now.
  • Close and reopen Windows Terminal.
  • Run python --version again. You should now see Python 3.14.6.

help me fix python command not found on Windows

Install Git

Git is a version control tool that tracks every change you make to your code. It also lets you publish your work to GitHub, where other developers (and future employers) can see it.

  • In your browser, go to https://git-scm.com/download/win. The download starts automatically.
  • Open the downloaded installer.
  • Click Next through each screen, accepting all default options.
  • Click Install and wait for it to finish.
  • Click Finish to close the installer.

Now verify that Git installed correctly.

  • Close Windows Terminal if it is still open, then reopen it (press the Windows key, type Terminal, press Enter).
  • Check your Git version by running this command:
git --version

✔️ I see a version number

Git is installed correctly. You should see something like git version 2.55.0.windows.2.

ⓧ Command not found

The terminal cannot find Git. This usually means the installer did not finish correctly or the terminal was not restarted.

  • Close Windows Terminal completely.
  • Go to https://git-scm.com/download/win and download the installer again.
  • Run the installer, clicking Next through all default options.
  • Reopen Windows Terminal and run git --version again.

help me fix git command not found on Windows

Now configure Git with your identity. Git attaches your name and email to every change you save, so collaborators know who made each edit.

  • Set your name in Git by running this command (replace the name with your actual name):
git config --global user.name "[[YOUR_NAME="Your Name"]]"
  • Set your email in Git by running this command (replace the email with your actual email address):
git config --global user.email "[[YOUR_EMAIL="your.email@example.com"]]"
  • Confirm your name was saved correctly by running:
git config --global user.name

You should see the name you just entered printed in the terminal.

Why does Git need my identity?

Every time you save a change with Git, it records who made the change. This is essential when working on a team, but it also helps you track your own history.

The email you use here should match the one you will use for your GitHub account in a later step.

Seeing a blank line after git config?

If nothing prints after running git config --global user.name, it means your name was not saved. Re-run the git config --global user.name command with your name in double quotes and make sure there are no extra spaces.

help me configure my Git identity on Windows

Your developer environment is ready. You have the same tools that professional developers use every day. Next up, you will create your first Python script and run it from the terminal.

Create Your First Python Script

Your developer environment is ready to go. VS Code, Python, and Git are all installed and configured on your machine.

Now it is time to use those tools to build something real. In this step, you will create a project folder, write a Python script that collects your daily tasks, and run it directly from the terminal.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Create a project folder and open it in VS Code.
  • Write a daily planner script that asks for input and prints a formatted plan.
  • Run the script from the terminal and see your plan in action.
Create your project folder and open it in VS Code

Every project needs a home on your computer. You will create a dedicated folder for your daily planner, then open it in VS Code so all your files stay organized in one place.

  • Press the Windows key to open your search bar.
  • Type Terminal and press Enter to open Windows Terminal.
  • Create your project folder and open it in VS Code by running these commands one by one:
mkdir C:\Users\%USERNAME%\projects
mkdir C:\Users\%USERNAME%\projects\daily-planner
cd C:\Users\%USERNAME%\projects\daily-planner
code .

What do these commands do?

  • mkdir creates a new folder. The first command creates a projects folder inside your user directory. The second creates daily-planner inside that.
  • cd moves your terminal into the new folder so future commands run from there.
  • code . opens VS Code with your current folder as the workspace. The dot means "this folder."
  • VS Code should launch with the daily-planner folder visible in the Explorer sidebar on the left.

Trust the authors

If VS Code shows a dialog asking "Do you trust the authors of the files in this folder?", click Yes, I trust the authors. You created this folder yourself, so it is safe.

VS Code did not open?

If your terminal says that code is not recognized, close your terminal and open a new one. The code command becomes available after restarting the terminal following VS Code's installation.

If the folder did not get created, double-check that you typed the commands exactly as shown. A small typo in the path will cause an error.

Still stuck? Help me open my project folder in VS Code on Windows

Write your daily planner script

Your script will ask for the user's name, the current day, and three tasks. Then it prints a neatly formatted plan to the terminal.

  • In VS Code, click File in the top menu bar.
  • Click New Text File to create a new empty file.
  • Press Ctrl+S to save. In the dialog, type daily_planner.py as the file name and click Save.

Why the .py extension?

The .py extension tells VS Code (and Python) that this is a Python file. VS Code will activate syntax highlighting and the Python extension's features once it sees this extension.

  • Copy and paste the following code into daily_planner.py:
def create_plan():
    # Print the app header
    print("=== Daily Planner ===\n")

    # Ask for the user's name and the current day
    name = input("What is your name? ")
    day = input("What day is it? ")

    # Greet the user and prompt for tasks
    print(f"\nHi {name}! Let's plan your {day}.\n")
    print("Enter your top 3 tasks for today:\n")

    # Collect 3 tasks into a list
    tasks = []
    for i in range(1, 4):
        task = input(f"Task {i}: ")
        tasks.append(task)

    # Print the formatted plan header
    print(f"\n{'=' * 40}")
    print(f"  {name}'s Plan for {day}")
    print(f"{'=' * 40}\n")

    # Display each task with its number
    for i, task in enumerate(tasks, 1):
        print(f"  [{i}] {task}")

    # Print the footer with task count
    print(f"\n{'=' * 40}")
    print(f"  Total tasks: {len(tasks)}")
    print(f"{'=' * 40}\n")

    print("Have a productive day!\n")


# Run the planner
create_plan()

What does this code do?

The entire script lives inside a function called create_plan(). Wrapping code in a function keeps it organized and reusable.

  • input() pauses the program and waits for the user to type something. Whatever they type gets stored in a variable like name or day.
  • The for loop runs 3 times (1, 2, 3) and collects each task into a list called tasks.
  • f-strings (the f"..." syntax) let you insert variable values directly into text. For example, f"Hi {name}!" becomes "Hi Sarah!" if name equals "Sarah".
  • enumerate(tasks, 1) pairs each task with a number starting from 1, so you can display numbered items.
  • The last line, create_plan(), actually runs the function when you execute the file.
  • Save the file with Ctrl+S.

Seeing red or yellow squiggles in your code?

If VS Code highlights errors, check that your indentation uses spaces, not tabs. Python is strict about consistent indentation. Every line inside the function should be indented by exactly 4 spaces.

Also confirm you copied the code completely. A missing closing parenthesis or quote will trigger errors.

Need help? Help me fix syntax errors in my Python file

✔️ Awesome, I've got everything!

Great. Make sure you have saved daily_planner.py before moving on.

ⓧ I'd like to double check the full code

Here is the complete daily_planner.py file. Make sure your code matches this exactly:

def create_plan():
    print("=== Daily Planner ===\n")

    name = input("What is your name? ")
    day = input("What day is it? ")

    print(f"\nHi {name}! Let's plan your {day}.\n")
    print("Enter your top 3 tasks for today:\n")

    tasks = []
    for i in range(1, 4):
        task = input(f"Task {i}: ")
        tasks.append(task)

    print(f"\n{'=' * 40}")
    print(f"  {name}'s Plan for {day}")
    print(f"{'=' * 40}\n")

    for i, task in enumerate(tasks, 1):
        print(f"  [{i}] {task}")

    print(f"\n{'=' * 40}")
    print(f"  Total tasks: {len(tasks)}")
    print(f"{'=' * 40}\n")

    print("Have a productive day!\n")


create_plan()
Run your script

Your code is written and saved. Now you will run it to see your daily planner in action.

  • Open the integrated terminal in VS Code by pressing Ctrl+` (the backtick key, above Tab on most keyboards).
  • Run your script by typing this command:
python daily_planner.py
  • The script will ask you a series of questions. Type a response after each prompt and press Enter.
  • After entering your name, the day, and 3 tasks, you should see a formatted plan printed in the terminal.

What should I see?

Your terminal will show an interactive session that looks something like this:

=== Daily Planner ===

What is your name? Sarah
What day is it? Monday

Hi Sarah! Let's plan your Monday.

Enter your top 3 tasks for today:

Task 1: Review pull requests
Task 2: Write unit tests
Task 3: Update documentation

========================================
  Sarah's Plan for Monday
========================================

  [1] Review pull requests
  [2] Write unit tests
  [3] Update documentation

========================================
  Total tasks: 3
========================================

Have a productive day!

The exact text will differ based on what you typed, but the structure should match.

Seeing an error instead of prompts?

If you see a SyntaxError, go back to your code and check for missing colons, unmatched parentheses, or incorrect indentation.

If you see python is not recognized, close VS Code entirely and reopen it. The terminal needs to reload your PATH settings from the Python installation.

Still stuck? Help me run my Python script in VS Code

You just wrote and executed your first Python program. Next up, you will push this code to GitHub so it lives online and anyone can see your work.

Push Your Code to GitHub

Your daily planner script works. It takes input, processes tasks, and prints a formatted plan right in your terminal.

Right now, your code only lives on your computer. In this step, you'll push it to GitHub, a platform where developers store and share code. This gives you an online backup and makes your work visible to others.

In this step, get ready to:
  • Create a GitHub account and repository.
  • Initialize a local Git repository and commit your code.
  • Push your code to GitHub and verify it's live.
Create a GitHub account and repository

Before you can push code, you need a place for it to live online. You'll create a free GitHub account and set up an empty repository that's ready to receive your code.

  • Open your browser and go to https://github.com.
  • Click Sign up and follow the prompts to create a free account.
  • Once signed in, click the + icon in the upper-right corner of the page.
  • Click New repository.
  • In the Repository name box, type daily-planner.
  • In the Description box, type My first Python project - a daily planner CLI tool.
  • Select Public for the repository visibility.
  • Do NOT check Add a README file. You already have code to push, so the repository needs to start empty.
  • Click Create repository.

What is a repository?

A repository (or "repo") is a folder on GitHub that stores all the files for a single project. It also tracks every change you make over time, so you can always go back to an earlier version.

After clicking Create repository, GitHub shows a page with setup instructions. You'll use these commands in the next substep.

Initialize Git and push your code

Your project folder has files, but Git isn't tracking them yet. You need to initialize a Git repository, commit your code, then connect it to GitHub.

  • Switch back to your VS Code terminal. Make sure you're in the daily-planner folder.
  • Initialize a Git repository and commit your code by running these commands one at a time:
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Add daily planner script"

What do these commands do?

  • git init creates a new Git repository in your project folder. This tells Git to start tracking changes here.
  • git add . stages all files in the folder (the dot means "everything"). Staging tells Git which files to include in the next commit.
  • git commit -m "Add daily planner script" saves a snapshot of your staged files with a descriptive message.
  • You should see output including a line like create mode 100644 daily_planner.py, confirming your file was committed.

Seeing an error about identity?

If Git says it needs your name and email, you may have skipped the configuration in Step 1. Run these commands with your own name and email, then try the commit again:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

Help me fix this Git identity error.

  • Now connect your local repository to GitHub and push your code by running these commands one at a time:
  • When you run the last command (git push), your browser will open asking you to sign in to GitHub. Follow the prompts to authorize access.
git branch -M main
git remote add origin https://github.com/[[GITHUB_USERNAME="your GitHub username"]]/daily-planner.git
git push -u origin main

What do these commands do?

  • git branch -M main renames your default branch to main, which is the standard branch name on GitHub.
  • git remote add origin ... tells Git where your GitHub repository lives. Replace the username in the URL with your actual GitHub username.
  • git push -u origin main uploads your committed code to GitHub. The -u flag links your local branch to the remote one, so future pushes only need git push.

What happens during authentication?

Git for Windows includes Git Credential Manager, which handles authentication automatically. When you push for the first time, a browser window opens asking you to sign in to GitHub and authorize access.

After you authorize, your credentials are stored securely in Windows Credential Manager. Future pushes won't ask you to sign in again.

  • After authenticating, you should see terminal output showing your code being pushed to GitHub. Look for a line mentioning main -> main confirming success.

Push failed or authentication error?

  • Make sure you replaced the username in the remote URL with your actual GitHub username. You can check with git remote -v and fix it with git remote set-url origin https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/daily-planner.git.
  • If the browser didn't open, close and reopen your terminal, then run git push -u origin main again.
  • If you accidentally checked "Add a README file" when creating the repository, you'll see a merge conflict. Delete the repository on GitHub, recreate it without a README, and try pushing again.

Help me fix this push error.

Verify your code on GitHub
  • Open your browser and go to your repository page at https://github.com/YOUR-USERNAME/daily-planner (replace YOUR-USERNAME with your actual GitHub username).
  • You should see daily_planner.py listed in the file list.
  • Click on daily_planner.py to view your code online.
  • Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner and check your contribution graph. You should see 1 green square for today's commit.

What is the contribution graph?

Your GitHub profile has a grid of green squares showing the days you contributed code. Each commit adds to that day's count. Over time, this graph shows your consistency as a developer.

Secret mission

Save Plans to a File

Your daily planner prints a formatted plan to the terminal, but it disappears the moment you close the window. Can you upgrade it to save each plan to a text file, building a running log you can look back on?

Clean Up Your Resources

Clean Up Your Resources

This project runs entirely on your local machine and uses free services. There are no ongoing costs or resources that will charge you money.

Decide whether to keep your resources running, pause them to come back later, or delete them entirely.

Resources you used:

  • Local project folder (C:\Users\%USERNAME%\projects\daily-planner).
  • GitHub repository (daily-planner).
  • VS Code, Python 3.14, and Git installed on your machine.

Keep everything running

No action needed. Choose this if you plan to keep using your daily planner script or want to build more Python projects.

  • Your project folder stays on your machine ready to use anytime.
  • Your GitHub repository remains public and free.
  • VS Code, Python, and Git stay installed for future projects.
  • Your GitHub account is free with unlimited public repositories.

Pause - I'll come back to this later

Nothing to pause. Since everything runs locally and uses free services, there are no processes consuming resources while you're away.

  • Your local files will be exactly where you left them when you return.
  • Your GitHub repository stays available at your repository URL.
  • VS Code, Python, and Git remain installed and ready to use.

Delete - I don't want to use this again

Remove all project resources and start fresh. Follow each step below to clean up completely.

  • Delete your local project folder by opening Windows Terminal and running:
  • Delete your GitHub repository by going to your repository page, clicking Settings, scrolling down to the Danger Zone section, and clicking Delete this repository. Follow the confirmation prompts to complete the deletion.
  • Uninstall VS Code by opening Settings on your PC, selecting Apps, searching for "Visual Studio Code", and clicking Uninstall.
  • Uninstall Python by opening Settings on your PC, selecting Apps, searching for "Python 3.14", and clicking Uninstall.
  • Uninstall Git by opening Settings on your PC, selecting Apps, searching for "Git", and clicking Uninstall.
rmdir /s /q C:\Users\%USERNAME%\projects\daily-planner

What does this command do?

The rmdir /s /q command removes the folder and everything inside it. The /s flag deletes all subfolders and files. The /q flag runs it in quiet mode so it does not ask for confirmation on each file.

Nice Work!

Nice Work!

You just set up a professional developer environment from scratch and wrote a real Python program that lives on GitHub. That's the same workflow thousands of developers follow every day.

You've learned how to:

  • Installed and configured VS Code, Python 3.14, and Git on Windows 10 to build a complete developer environment.
  • Wrote a Python script that takes user input with input(), processes it, and produces formatted output using f-strings.
  • Initialized a Git repository, committed code, and pushed it to a public GitHub repository for the world to see.
  • Secret Mission: Added file I/O with Python's open() in append mode to persist daily plans across program runs.

Ready to quiz yourself?