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Create a projects folder

Before we start coding, let’s create a dedicated place for all your Python projects.
Having one folder for all your projects keeps your computer organized and makes it easy to find your code later.
  1. Create a main folder for all your Python work:
    • Windows: Create a folder called PythonProjects in your Documents
    • macOS: Create a folder called PythonProjects in your home directory
    • Linux: Create a folder called PythonProjects in your home directory
  2. Create your first project folder:
    • Inside your PythonProjects folder, create a new folder called python-for-ai (all lowercase)
    • This will be our learning project for this course
You can name your project folder anything you like, but I usually use lowercase letters with dashes (called “kebab-case”) like python-for-ai or my-first-project. This matches how projects appear on GitHub (more on that later).

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Open folder in VS Code

Now let’s open this folder in VS Code. There are several ways: Method 1: From VS Code
  1. Open VS Code
  2. Click “File” > “Open Folder” (or press Ctrl/Cmd + O)
  3. Navigate to your python-for-ai folder
  4. Click “Select Folder” (Windows) or “Open” (Mac/Linux)
Method 2: From file explorer
  • Windows: Right-click the folder > “Open with Code”
  • macOS: Drag the folder onto the VS Code icon
  • Linux: Right-click the folder > “Open with Code”

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Understanding the interface

When you open a folder in VS Code:
  • Left sidebar: Shows all files in your project (currently empty)
  • Main area: Where you’ll write code
  • Bottom panel: Terminal, problems, output
  • Top: Menu and tabs for open files
VS Code always works with folders, not individual files. This helps it understand your project structure and provide better suggestions.

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Save as workspace

A workspace saves your project settings and makes it easy to return to your project later.
  1. With your python-for-ai folder open, click “File” > “Save Workspace As…”
  2. Save it in the same python-for-ai folder
  3. Name it python-for-ai.code-workspace
  4. Click “Save”

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What’s a workspace?

A workspace is like a bookmark for your project. It remembers:
  • Which folder you’re working in
  • Your editor settings for this project
  • Which files you had open
  • Your debugging configuration

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Test your workspace

Let’s make sure the workspace works:
  1. Close VS Code completely
  2. Go to your python-for-ai folder
  3. Double-click the python-for-ai.code-workspace file
  4. VS Code opens with your project ready!
You can create a desktop shortcut to your workspace file for even quicker access to your project.

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Project structure

Your folder should now look like this: 
PythonProjects/
└── python-for-ai/
    └── python-for-ai.code-workspace
We’re ready to create our first Python file!

Your first Python file

Create and run your first Python program