Quickstart

This guide installs Conda Code, selects its provider, and verifies regular environment discovery. The final step adds optional conda-workspaces support.

1. Prepare conda

Conda Code requires conda 26.3 or newer. Update conda through the channels configured for your distribution.

Confirm that the primary conda executable is available:

conda info --json

2. Install Conda Code

Install Conda Code from the Visual Studio Marketplace or run:

code --install-extension jezdez.conda-code

Python Environments is installed as an extension dependency.

3. Select the provider

Add these settings to your VS Code user or workspace settings:

{
  "python-envs.defaultEnvManager": "jezdez.conda-code:conda",
  "python-envs.defaultPackageManager": "jezdez.conda-code:conda"
}

Open the Python Environments view. The Conda Code manager lists ordinary environments from the primary conda and other discovered local conda installations. Base, Named, and Prefix grouping matches the built-in conda provider for ordinary environments.

Note

Python Environments also registers its built-in conda manager. Both conda branches can appear. The provider ID in the settings above selects Conda Code for creation and package operations.

4. Check regular environments

The Conda Code manager shows the base environment and the named and prefix environments found across local conda installations. Select an existing environment to use it for the current project.

To create a named environment, run Python Envs: Create Environment, choose Conda Code, and select Named environment. Conda Code refreshes the list after creation.

Run Conda Code: Refresh Environments from the Command Palette after an external change that is not picked up automatically.

5. Optional: Check a workspace

Install conda-workspaces in the same base environment as the primary conda. Follow the conda-workspaces installation instructions, then confirm the command is available:

conda workspace --help

Open a folder that is registered as a Python project, then create a conda workspace:

cd /path/to/project
conda workspace quickstart --yes --no-shell --format conda -- python

Run Conda Code: Refresh Environments again. The installed workspace environment appears in the same provider, grouped by workspace name.

Continue with a complete workflow

Follow the tutorial for a Create a named conda environment, create from Create from environment.yml, or build a Create a workspace environment.