1. VEX Library
  2. AIR
  3. VS Code Extension
  4. Getting Started with VS Code for VEX AIR

Installing the VEX Extension, and Python Extension in VS Code

To code projects for VEX AIR in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), install the VEX Extension, which supports Python. For IntelliSense and linting, the Python Extension is also required. The VEX Extension automatically sets up projects to work with both extensions.

Before you start, make sure you have VS Code installed on your computer. To install VS Code, visit https://code.visualstudio.com/. 

Visual Studio Code sidebar with the Welcome tab open; vertical activity bar on the left highlights the Extensions icon near the bottom, which is a square with a smaller diamond shape at the top-right; icons above include Explorer, Search, Source Control, Run and Debug, and Testing; Python icon is dimmed below the highlighted Extensions icon

Select the extension icon in the VS Code Activity Bar.

Visual Studio Code Extensions Marketplace panel with search bar containing the text VEX Robotics; filter and sort icons are displayed to the right of the search bar; below are results including VEX Robotics Feedback and VEX Robotics extensions by VEX Robotics, showing publisher badge, install options, star ratings, and download counts

Type “VEX Robotics” in the search bar. The VEX Robotics extension will appear in the sidebar below. Select Install.

Installing this extension will automatically include the VEX Robotics Feedback extension as well—no separate installation is needed.

Visual Studio Code Extensions Marketplace panel with search results for VEX Robotics; top results include VEX Robotics Feedback and VEX Robotics extensions by VEX Robotics, both displaying publisher badge and gear icons, followed by VEX PROS Dev Extensions by NoahK216 and Symbolizer for VEX by vexide, each with Install buttons; 2131H Extension Pack is partially visible at the bottom; a dropdown icon on the sidebar is highlighted near the Python and Test Tube icons

Once installation is complete, both the VEX Robotics Extension and the VEX Robotics Feedback Extension will be installed and Install will be replaced with a settings icon.

The VEX icon will appear in the VS Code Activity Bar to show the installation has been successful.

Visual Studio Code Extensions Marketplace panel showing search results for Python; includes multiple extensions such as Python Environment Manager by Don Jayamanne, Python Extension Pack, and Python Indent by Kevin Rose, each with Install buttons and star ratings; highlighted at the bottom are three Microsoft extensions—Python Debugger with 83.3M downloads and 4.5 stars, Python with 175.4M downloads and 4 stars, and Pylance with 145.7M downloads and 3 stars—all with Install buttons and Microsoft publisher tags

Type “Python” in the Search Bar. The Microsoft Python Extension will appear in the sidebar. Select Install.

Visual Studio Code extension listing for Python, showing the Python logo, title Python, a description beginning with Python language support wit, and Microsoft as the publisher with a verified checkmark badge; a gear icon for extension settings is highlighted on the right side

Once the installation is complete, Install will be replaced with a settings icon.

Visual Studio Code sidebar with the VEX extension panel open, showing PROJECT ACTIONS section with two blue buttons labeled New Project and Import Project, a Documentation section with Extension and API Reference links, and VEX DEVICE INFO indicating No VEX Device Connected; a large dropdown icon near the bottom is highlighted, located above version information for vexcom 1.0.0b39 and another version labeled 0.7.0

You can now begin coding in VS Code by selecting the VEX icon in the sidebar.
For helpful information about how to find, install, and manage VS Code extensions from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace, please see this article on the VS Code Website.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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