Python Environment Helper

A VS Code extension to streamline Python environment management and reproducibility. It provides simple, opt‑in commands for creating, updating, and managing virtual environments and packages.

Features This extension contributes the following commands to the VS Code Command Palette:

1. Create Python Virtual Environment (venv)
   Python Env Helper: Create Python Virtual Environment (venv)
   Creates a new venv in your workspace.
2. Install Missing Packages Needed Python Env Helper: Install Missing Python Packages Needed
   Scans your code for imports and installs any missing packages into the existing venv.
3. Update All Existing Python Packages Python Env Helper: Update All Existing Python Package
   Updates all installed packages in the existing venv.
4. Uninstall Python Package Python Env Helper: Uninstall Python Package
   Removes a selected package from the existing venv.
5. Install Package (Specific Version) Python Env Helper: Install Package (Specific Version)
   Installs a package at a specific version into the existing venv.
6. Upgrade pip Python Env Helper: Upgrade pip
   Upgrades pip to the latest version in the existing venv.
7. Rollback pip (Choose Version) Python Env Helper: Rollback pip (Choose Version)
   Downgrades pip to a chosen version in the existing venv.
8. Export Requirements.txt Python Env Helper: Export Requirements.txt
   Exports the current venv's packages into a requirements.txt file.
9. Activate Virtual Environment in Terminal Python Env Helper: Activate Virtual Environment in Terminal
   Creates a new terminal and activates the virtual environment (runs venv/Scripts/activate.ps1 on Windows).

Usage

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P on macOS).
2. Type one of the commands above (e.g., Python Env Helper: Create Python Virtual Environment).
3. Follow the prompts — the extension will handle the rest.

Installation

1. Install from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace (marketplace.visualstudio.com in Bing).
2. Or package locally with:

vsce package

and install the generated .vsix file.

Notes

1. This extension is designed to complement the official Python extension, not replace it.
2. All commands are opt‑in — nothing runs automatically in the background.
3. Clear progress and error messages are shown for transparency.
4. Features 2-8 require an existing venv - these commands operate on the virtual environment in your workspace folder, not the global Python installation.
5. The activation command creates a new terminal with the virtual environment activated.