When working with Python in an external Mac terminal with VS Code, it can be quite convenient to have a way to press F5 and instantly run Python3. In this article, we will explore three different solutions to achieve this functionality.

Solution 1: Using a VS Code extension

One way to achieve this is by using a VS Code extension called “Code Runner”. This extension allows you to run code snippets or entire files with a single keystroke. To set it up:

1. Open VS Code and go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
2. Search for “Code Runner” and click on the “Install” button.
3. Once installed, open your Python file and press F5 to run it instantly in the external Mac terminal.

This solution is simple and requires minimal configuration. However, it may not be suitable for more complex projects or if you prefer a different workflow.

Solution 2: Creating a custom VS Code task

If you prefer more control over the execution process, you can create a custom VS Code task to run Python3 in the external Mac terminal. Here’s how:

1. Open your Python file in VS Code.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open the Command Palette.
3. Type “Tasks: Configure Task” and select “Tasks: Configure Task” from the dropdown.
4. Select “Create tasks.json file from template” and choose “Others” as the task type.
5. Replace the contents of the tasks.json file with the following code:

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "Run Python3",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "python3",
      "args": ["${file}"],
      "group": {
        "kind": "build",
        "isDefault": true
      }
    }
  ]
}

6. Save the tasks.json file.
7. Open your Python file and press Ctrl+Shift+B to run it instantly in the external Mac terminal.

This solution gives you more flexibility as you can customize the command and arguments used to run Python3. However, it requires a bit more setup compared to the previous solution.

Solution 3: Using a keyboard shortcut

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can create a keyboard shortcut to run Python3 in the external Mac terminal. Here’s how:

1. Open VS Code and go to the “Keyboard Shortcuts” settings (Ctrl+K Ctrl+S).
2. Search for “workbench.action.terminal.runSelectedText” and click on the “+” icon to add a new keybinding.
3. Choose your desired key combination (e.g., F5) and save the keybinding.

Now, whenever you have Python code selected in your file, you can press the assigned key combination to run it instantly in the external Mac terminal.

After exploring these three solutions, the best option depends on your personal preference and workflow. If you prefer a simple setup, Solution 1 using the “Code Runner” extension is a good choice. If you want more control and customization, Solution 2 with a custom VS Code task is recommended. Lastly, if you prefer a direct approach, Solution 3 with a keyboard shortcut is the way to go. Choose the option that suits your needs and enhances your productivity.

# Your Python code goes here