Setting the correct root directory ensures the Python extension in VS Code works smoothly for linting, IntelliSense, debugging, and environment detection. Here are two ways to set or manage the root directory in VS Code for Python development.
Method 1: Open the Correct Folder in VS Code
Open the folder that contains your
main.py,
.venv or
requirements.txt as the root directory.
Step 1: Go to File > Open Folder
Always open your top-level project folder — not just a file. This sets VS Code’s ${workspaceFolder} properly.
Step 2: Avoid Opening Just a File
If you open a single .py file or a nested folder, the Python extension might not detect paths, environments or modules correctly.
Step 3: Confirm VS Code Detects Your Root
Once the folder is opened, VS Code treats it as the root and applies settings, interpreter paths and debugging configurations relative to it.
Opening the full folder ensures all paths, imports and virtual environments work as expected.
Method 2: Set Root Manually Using VS Code Settings
This is useful if your main code is inside a subdirectory like
src/, or if you’re using a multi-folder workspace.
Step 1: Create or Edit .vscode/settings.json
Inside your root project folder, create or open the
.vscode/settings.json and add:
{ "python.analysis.extraPaths": ["./src"]}
This helps the language server (Pylance) recognize the src/ folder for imports.
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Step 2: Select the Correct Interpreter
Press
Ctrl + Shift + P →
Python: Select Interpreter → choose your virtual environment, like
.venv/bin/python.
Step 3: Update launch.json (Optional for Debugging)
If you’re running files inside a subfolder, set the working directory:
{ "version": "0.2.0",
"configurations": [
{
"name": "Python: Current File",
"type": "python",
"request": "launch",
"program": "${file}",
"cwd": "${workspaceFolder}/src"
}
]
}
This is essential when debugging scripts that live in nested folders.
Bonus Method: Use .env to Set PYTHONPATH (Optional)
This doesn’t change the root folder but lets Python find modules in custom paths.
Step 1: Create a .env File
Put it in your root folder and add:
PYTHONPATH=./src
Step 2: Link .env in Settings
Add this to your
.vscode/settings.json:
{ "python.envFile": "${workspaceFolder}/.env"
}
Useful when you want to manage import paths without restructuring your folders.
Tip
If your code lives in a subfolder (like
src/), set
"python.analysis.extraPaths" and
"cwd" in
.vscode to avoid unresolved import errors during editing and debugging.
