A successful Python setup has three parts: a working interpreter, an isolated project environment, and an editor configured to use that environment. Install a supported Python release, verify it from the terminal, and create a virtual environment inside the project directory.
In VS Code, select the project interpreter and confirm that the integrated terminal, test runner, and debugger use it. In PyCharm, configure the project interpreter and check the package view before running code. In both editors, create a tiny script that prints the Python version and imports a known dependency.
Avoid mixing system Python, editor-managed environments, and global packages without a clear reason. Store dependency information with the project and document setup steps in the README. When a package cannot be imported, check the active interpreter before reinstalling it. Most “Python is broken” problems are environment-selection problems.
