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VS Code

  • Python
  • ESLint
  • Prettier
  • Tailwind CSS IntelliSense
  • Mkdocstrings

Settings that help

  • Format on save
  • Auto-save (optional)
  • Trim trailing whitespace

Initial IDE setup checklist

1) Install VS Code from https://code.visualstudio.com/.
2) Open the project folder (`File` -> `Open Folder...`).
3) Install the extensions above.
4) Enable format on save in settings.
5) Select your Python interpreter (`Cmd/Ctrl` + `Shift` + `P` -> `Python: Select Interpreter`).
6) Restart VS Code after installing extensions.

Cursor / Co-Pilot

Cursor is an IDE with AI-first workflows.

Cursor setup

1) Download from https://www.cursor.com/.
2) Install and sign in.
3) Open the project folder (`File` -> `Open Folder...`).
4) Install language extensions you need (Python, ESLint, Prettier, Tailwind).
5) Verify formatting and linting match the project settings.

GitHub Copilot in VS Code

1) Install the “GitHub Copilot” extension.
2) Sign in with your GitHub account when prompted.
3) Enable Copilot in settings and reload VS Code.
4) Use `Tab` to accept suggestions, `Esc` to dismiss.

Suggested usage

- “Explain this code”
- “Refactor for clarity”
- “Generate tests”
- “Turn this into a reusable component”

Terminal Essentials

You’ll use these constantly:

ls
cd path/to/folder
pwd
mkdir new-folder
touch file.md
code .

Helpful

python --version
node --version
npm --version

Prompting with ChatGPT

You can prompt ChatGPT for code and guidance, rather than Co-Pilot or Cursor.

https://medium.com/@anote-ai/setting-up-your-development-environment-e80e3b88e0e8