Install Python and VS Code: 5 Easy Steps for Django Beginners (2026)

If you’re following the Nima Academy Django course, this is video 2 — and before we touch a single line of Django code, we need a working environment. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Python and VS Code the right way, avoid the common setup mistakes beginners make, and get ready for the next lesson in under 15 minutes.

Establishing a proper development environment is crucial for a successful learning experience. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to ensure that you have both Python and Visual Studio Code installed efficiently. By adhering to the outlined procedures, you will be well-prepared to engage with Django frameworks effectively. Following these instructions will not only save time but also enhance your overall coding proficiency.

Why You Need to Install Python and VS Code First

Django is a Python web framework, so nothing runs without Python on your machine. VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is the editor we’ll use throughout this course because it’s free, lightweight, and has excellent Python support through extensions. Getting both set up correctly now saves you hours of confusing errors later.

How to Install Python and VS Code (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Download Python

Go to the official Python website and download the latest stable release for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

• Official download page: python.org/downloads

Important: On Windows, tick the box that says “Add Python to PATH” during installation. This single checkbox prevents 90% of the “python is not recognized” errors beginners run into.

Step 2: Install Python

Run the installer, keep the default options, and click through to finish. Once done, open your terminal or command prompt and type:

python --version

If you see a version number (e.g., Python 3.12.x), Python is installed correctly.

Step 3: Download and Install VS Code

Next, download VS Code from the official site:

• Official download page: code.visualstudio.com/download

Install it with the default settings — no special configuration needed at this stage.

Step 4: Install the Python Extension in VS Code

Open VS Code, click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar (or press Ctrl+Shift+X), search for “Python”, and install the official Microsoft extension. This gives you syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, and debugging support for Python files.

Step 5: Verify Everything Works

Create a new file called test.py, type print("Hello Nima Academy"), and run it using the ▶️ Run button in VS Code. If the message prints in the terminal, your setup is complete and you’re ready for the next video in the series.

Common Errors When You Install Python and VS Code

• “python is not recognized” — usually means you forgot to check “Add to PATH.” Reinstall Python and tick that box.
• VS Code doesn’t detect Python — make sure the Python extension is installed and restart VS Code.
• Multiple Python versions conflict — stick to one version for this course to avoid confusion, and always confirm with python --version.

What’s Next in the Django Course

Now that you’ve completed this step, you’re ready to create a virtual environment and install Django itself in the next video. If you haven’t already, check out the full course roadmap on our Django course page (replace with your actual course URL).

Final Thoughts

Setting up your environment correctly is the single best thing you can do before learning Django. Take your time with these steps, double-check each one, and you’ll avoid nearly every setup-related headache other beginners face. See you in the next lesson!