Run Python scripts in VS Code or Cursor with a quick prompt for CLI arguments—remembered per file. Works from the Run menu, Command Palette, and keyboard.
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
Stop editing launch.json every time you need different flags. Python Run With Args is a lightweight Visual Studio Code and Cursor extension that asks for command-line arguments when you run your Python script—then remembers them per file in your workspace.
Fast CLI workflows — Pass --verbose, config paths, input files, or argparse flags without touching the terminal history each time.
Remembered per script — The last argument string you used for each .py file is saved in the workspace, so repeat runs are one click away.
Fits your editor — Works from the Run menu on Python files, the Command Palette, and a keyboard shortcut—aligned with how you already run code in VS Code or Cursor.
Features at a glance
Capability
What it means for you
Argument prompt
Type or paste args in a simple prompt before the script runs.
Per-file memory
Each Python file keeps its own last-used arguments in this workspace—no global clutter.
Run menu integration
Appears alongside other Run Python actions in the editor toolbar.
Quote-friendly parsing
Use "double quotes" or 'single quotes' for paths and values that contain spaces.
Optional debugger hook
If your project uses F5 / launch.json, you can enable a config that prompts for args before debugging—see below.
Open your project folder and choose a Python interpreter (Python: Select Interpreter in the Command Palette).
Install Python Run With Args from the Marketplace or Open VSX (links at the top of this page).
How to run a script with arguments
Open the .py file you want to run.
Save the file (the extension does not run unsaved “Untitled” buffers).
Start a run in any of these ways:
Method
What to do
Run dropdown
Click the ▼ on the editor’s Run / Play control and choose Run Python File with Arguments (under Python Args).
Command Palette
Python Args: Run Python File with Arguments
Keyboard
Ctrl+Shift+F5 (Windows / Linux) or Cmd+Shift+F5 (macOS) with focus in the Python editor
Enter your arguments (example: --config app.json ./data) and confirm. The script runs in the integrated terminal like a normal Python run.
Typing arguments (quotes and spaces)
Separate words with spaces: hello world → two arguments.
For a single value with spaces, use quotes: "My Documents\report.csv" or 'C:\path with spaces\file.py'.
Using F5 / launch configurations (optional)
If you debug with F5, your repo can include a launch configuration that shows the same argument prompt before starting the debugger. Open the sample launch.json patterns in the GitHub repository under .vscode/ if you want that workflow in your own projects.
Requirements
Visual Studio Code 1.85+ or Cursor (with extension support).
Microsoft’s Python extension (ms-python.python) installed and enabled.
A saved Python file and a selected interpreter in the workspace.
Frequently asked questions
Does this replace the built-in Run Python button?
No. It adds a dedicated action—use the Run dropdown or the commands above so you always get an argument prompt when you want one.
Will my arguments work with argparse / sys.argv?
Yes. Arguments are passed the same way as on the command line after the script name.
Where are arguments stored?
In workspace state, keyed by file path—suitable for local development; not committed to Git unless your tooling exports workspace storage.
