Visual Studio Code does not run Python file in the terminal when using venv, but gives no error and works in interactive window and debugger

Question

I have been using Visual Studio Code to run Python for a few months, but recently when I select Run Python File or Run Python File in Dedicated Terminal, a new instance of PowerShell opens in the terminal and the current folder is printed, but nothing else happens.

I have tested this with different folders and files, and I have the same issue. However, if I run Python using the global environment instead of my venv, it does work. Also, running the file with Python Debugger: Debug Python File or Run Current File in Interactive Window works.

What could be causing the issue or where could I look further?

Peter Mortensen · Accepted Answer · 2025-11-20 00:51:05Z

0

I'm not very experienced yet, but I can share a few ideas here.

First, are you using the Visual Studio Code terminal? You could try using the real one. If you don't know how to: run cd /pathtoyourfolder/, and it should change the working directory into your selected folder. Then, activate your venv by: source .venv (or path if it isn't in the working directory)/bin/activate.

Then run the file by: python3 nameofthefile.py. I do this in the real Terminal, but you can as well run this in the VSCode integrated one. Check that the venv is activated: (.venv) before the name of the working directory.

PS: I remember the fact that in my very first scripts I selected something like {run selection line}, and it printed the file in the terminal and I had to press return and invoke the function, but that was because there wasn't a main function that ran. Could you precise what type your file is?

edited 2 days ago

Peter Mortensen

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answered 2 days ago

zulu27

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Peter Mortensen 2 days ago

Re "Could you precise what type your file is?": Stack Overflow is not a forum. Related: Why do I need 50 reputation to comment? What can I do instead?.

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