The Visual Studio Code team has rolled out the September 2025 release of the Python, Pylance, and Jupyter extensions, bringing powerful AI-driven features, improved Python environment management, and several quality-of-life upgrades for developers. This update strengthens Python development capabilities in VS Code and further integrates GitHub Copilot into everyday coding workflows.

Key Highlights of the Release

• Experimental AI-powered hover summaries with Pylance

• Run the Code Snippet AI tool for faster execution in Python

• Expanded Python Environments extension with pipenv support

• Improved Conda integration and diagnostics

• Community survey on the future of Python typing

AI-Powered Hover Summaries with Pylance

One of the biggest additions in this release is AI Hover Summaries in Pylance. Available in the pre-release version and powered by GitHub Copilot, this feature generates contextual explanations for Python symbols that lack formal documentation.

By enabling the setting python.analysis.aiHoverSummaries, developers can instantly access AI-generated descriptions directly in their editor, making it easier to understand unfamiliar codebases without constant reference checks.

Currently available for Copilot Pro, Pro+, and Enterprise users, this feature is expected to reach the stable build soon.

Run Code Snippet AI Tool

To streamline experimentation with Python code, Pylance now includes the Run Code Snippet tool, a new AI-backed utility for executing Python code snippets entirely in memory.

Unlike traditional execution methods that require temporary files or complex terminal commands, this tool integrates tightly with GitHub Copilot to:

• Run Python commands directly within memory, bypassing terminal syntax issues.

• Automatically select the correct interpreter configured in the workspace.

• Deliver structured outputs, merging stdout and stderr for clearer debugging.

The feature is particularly effective when used in Agent mode with GitHub Copilot, helping developers quickly test functions, validate imports, and debug small snippets without leaving the editor.

Python Environment Management Gets Smarter

VS Code’s Python Environments extension has received significant improvements this month, tackling long-standing pain points with Conda, pipenv, and venv setups.

Conda Enhancements

• Option to choose Python versions at environment creation.

• Improved environment activation across multiple operating systems and shells.

• Clearer debugging tools and reliable Conda executables.

Pipenv Support

• Full integration of pipenv environments into the Environment Manager.

• Automatic discovery and environment listing for smoother workflows.

Better Diagnostics and Debugging

• New Python Environment Tool (PET) command for advanced troubleshooting.

• Clearer warnings for missing dependencies and misconfigurations.

• More reliable environment detection with reduced setup friction.

Quality of Life Updates

• Cleaner handling of interpreter paths and venvFolders.

• Support for .env environment variables via the python.useEnvFile setting.

• Simpler “Add as Python Project” workflow and better debugging consistency.

Community Call: Shape the Future of Python Typing

Alongside the feature rollout, the Python ecosystem is also inviting developers worldwide to participate in the 2025 Python Type System and Tooling Survey. The community-driven initiative aims to refine type annotations and gather real-world usage insights. Developers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate at: https://jb.gg/d7dqty.