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Before you write a single line of Python, it pays to spend two minutes setting up a clean folder structure. VS Code is designed to work with folders rather than individual files — opening a folder gives the editor full context about your project, which it uses to provide better suggestions, smarter imports, and accurate error detection. A well-organised folder from the start also makes everything easier as your projects grow.

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Create a projects folder

Start by creating a single parent folder on your computer that will hold all your Python work. This keeps everything in one predictable place.
1

Create your main projects folder

2

Create your first project folder

Inside PythonProjects, create a folder for this course:
Using lowercase letters and dashes (kebab-case) for folder names — like python-for-ai — is a convention shared by most Python projects and GitHub repositories. It avoids issues with spaces in paths and feels natural when you start working with the terminal.

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Open the folder in VS Code

With your folder created, open it in VS Code using whichever method is most convenient: From VS Code:
  1. Click File → Open Folder (or press Ctrl/Cmd + O)
  2. Navigate to your python-for-ai folder and click Select Folder (Windows) or Open (macOS/Linux)
From your file manager:
  • Windows: Right-click the folder → Open with Code
  • macOS: Drag the folder onto the VS Code dock icon
  • Linux: Right-click the folder → Open with Code
From the terminal:

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Understanding the VS Code interface

Once the folder is open, take a moment to orient yourself:
VS Code always operates on a folder, not just a file. This is why the Explorer panel shows your whole project tree. The editor uses this context to resolve imports, find related files, and understand your project layout.

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Save as a workspace

A workspace file is a small bookmark that saves your project’s settings and lets you reopen everything with a single double-click.
1

Save the workspace

With your folder open, click File → Save Workspace As…
2

Name and place the file

Save it inside the python-for-ai folder and name it python-for-ai.code-workspace.
3

Test it

Close VS Code completely, then double-click the .code-workspace file in your file manager. VS Code should open directly to your project.
A workspace file remembers:
  • Which folders are part of your project
  • Your project-specific editor settings (overriding global settings)
  • Which files were open when you last closed the editor
  • Your debugging configuration
Create a shortcut to the .code-workspace file on your desktop or taskbar for instant access to your project every day.

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Your project structure so far

After completing these steps, your folder looks like this:
That is all you need for now. As the course progresses, Python files, notebooks, and a virtual environment folder will be added here.

Your first Python file

Create and run your first Python program in this workspace.