You can debug Python scripts, web apps, and remote processes in VS Code using the Python Debugger extension, which comes with the Python extension. Configurations are stored in a launch.json file inside the .vscode folder of your workspace.

Setting Up and Starting a Debug Session

1. Open the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X / ⇧⌘X) and verify that Python Debugger is installed.

2. Open your project folder in VS Code; debugging requires code to be in a folder.

3. Select the Run view (Ctrl+Shift+D / ⇧⌘D) from the sidebar.

4. If no configuration exists, click Run and Debug or create a launch.json file.

5. Choose Python Debugger from the debugger list.

6. In the Command Palette menu, select Python File to debug the current script.

7. VS Code creates and opens launch.json with a pre-filled configuration; edit it if needed (e.g., add arguments).

8. Press F5 or click Start Debugging to begin the session.

Using Breakpoints and Debug Controls

1. Click in the gutter next to a line number to set a breakpoint.

2. Use Conditional Breakpoints by right-clicking a breakpoint and adding an expression or hit count.

3. Control execution with:

   • Continue (F5), Step Over (F10), Step Into (F11), Step Out (Shift+F11).

4. Inspect variables by hovering over them or using the Variables pane.

5. Use the Debug Console to evaluate expressions in the current context.