Python & VSCode Setup Guide 2026: Get Ready for PicoScope Automation (pyPicoSDK)

Welcome to Part 1 of our series on mastering the pyPicoSDK for full oscilloscope control! In this video, we guide you through the essential setup required to start programming your PicoScope with Python in 2026. We take you step-by-step from a fresh install to running your first script, ensuring your development environment is optimized for hardware automation. In this tutorial, you will learn how to: • Install Python: Download and verify the latest version (3.12+) via the Command Prompt. • Setup Visual Studio Code: Install VS Code and configure the terminal to use Command Prompt for a seamless experience. • Essential Extensions: Install the Python and PyLance extensions to enable powerful features like type hints, auto-completion, and docstring navigation. • Optimize Workflow: Create a custom F5 keyboard shortcut to run your Python files instantly in the terminal without debugging. • Write Your First Script: Create a main.py file and run a "Hello World" test to confirm your environment is ready for the Pi Pico SDK. Stay tuned for the next episode where we will install the Pi Pico SDK libraries and start controlling the scope! ------------------------------------------------------- 🔽 Links 🔽 - PicoScope A-Z - https://www.picotech.com/library/a-to-z Newsletter - https://picotech.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f8f1e08332ca724b4d5d6afab&id=4f572f8087 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pico.technology/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/picotechnologyltd/ ------------------------------------------------------- #PythonTutorial #VSCodeSetup #PicoScope #pyPicoSDK #TestAutomation #Oscilloscope #PythonForEngineers #CodingSetup #Pylance #HardwareHacking