Visual Studio Code#

If you use Visual Studio Code, you can connect your existing workspace directory and virtual environment in a few quick steps.

Install the Python Extension: Open VS Code, go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+X on macOS), and install the official Python extension published by Microsoft.
Open the Project Folder: Select File > Open Folder… and select the project directory where you created your .venv (or Conda environment) in Core Software.
Select the Python Interpreter: You can see which Python interpreter VS Code is currently using in the bottom-right of the main window when a Python file is opened. VS Code usually detects and selects an existing .venv folder automatically. To explicitly set or change the active environment:
- Open the Command Palette using Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (macOS).
- Type and select Python: Select Interpreter.
- Select your existing environment from the list:
  - For venv: Look for the recommended entry pointing to ./.venv/Scripts/python.exe (Windows) or ./.venv/bin/python (macOS/Linux). If it doesn’t appear, select Enter interpreter path… and browse directly to the Python executable within .venv.
  - For Conda: Select your named Conda environment (e.g., opensim-env).
Note

Once selected, opening a new terminal in VS Code (Ctrl+Shift+`) will automatically activate your virtual environment.
Verify OpenSim Import: Create a test script (e.g., test_env.py) or open the Interactive Window, then run:
```
import opensim
import opynsim

print(opensim.__file__)
```

For further setup details, refer to the official VS Code documentation: