Exploring the September 2025 Update for Python in Visual Studio Code: New AI Features and Environment Enhancements

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<p>Welcome to the September 2025 release of the Python, Pylance, and Jupyter extensions for Visual Studio Code! This update brings exciting experimental AI capabilities and significant improvements to environment management. In this Q&A, we break down the key highlights—from AI-powered hover summaries to the innovative Run Code Snippet tool and enhanced Conda support. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting with Python in VS Code, these changes aim to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow. Let's dive into the details.</p> <h2 id="q1">What are the major new features in the September 2025 release?</h2> <p>This release centers on three main enhancements:</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://devblogs.microsoft.com/python/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/09/copilot-pylance-hover.gif" alt="Exploring the September 2025 Update for Python in Visual Studio Code: New AI Features and Environment Enhancements" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: devblogs.microsoft.com</figcaption></figure> <ul> <li><strong>Experimental AI hover summaries</strong> with Pylance (pre-release), providing on-the-fly explanations for undocumented symbols when GitHub Copilot is active.</li> <li><strong>Run Code Snippet AI tool</strong> in Pylance, allowing Copilot to execute Python snippets in memory without temporary files or terminal commands.</li> <li><strong>Python Environments extension improvements</strong>, including better Conda experience and pipenv support.</li> </ul> <p>Additionally, users are invited to help shape the future of Python typing by completing the 2025 Python Type System and Tooling Survey. For a complete list of improvements, check the separate changelogs for the Python, Jupyter, and Pylance extensions.</p> <h2 id="q2">How does the experimental AI hover summary work, and who can access it?</h2> <p>The experimental AI Hover Summaries feature is available for Python files when using the pre-release version of Pylance along with GitHub Copilot. By enabling the <code>python.analysis.aiHoverSummaries</code> setting, you can get helpful summaries for symbols that lack documentation. This helps you quickly understand unfamiliar code, boosting exploration and productivity. Currently, the feature is limited to GitHub Copilot Pro, Pro+, and Enterprise subscribers. The team plans to bring this experimental capability to the stable version in the near future.</p> <h2 id="q3">What is the Run Code Snippet AI tool, and how does it make development easier?</h2> <p>The Run Code Snippet tool is designed to streamline Python interaction with GitHub Copilot. Instead of using terminal commands like <code>python -c "code"</code> or creating temporary files, Copilot can execute Python snippets entirely in memory. It automatically uses the correct Python interpreter configured for your workspace and eliminates common shell escaping and quoting issues. Output is clean and well-formatted, with stdout and stderr interleaved for clarity. This tool is especially useful in Agent mode for testing small code blocks, running quick scripts, validating expressions, or checking imports—all within your workspace context.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://uhf.microsoft.com/images/microsoft/RE1Mu3b.png" alt="Exploring the September 2025 Update for Python in Visual Studio Code: New AI Features and Environment Enhancements" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: devblogs.microsoft.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="q4">How can developers try the Run Code Snippet feature?</h2> <p>To use the Run Code Snippet tool, first ensure you have the latest pre-release version of Pylance installed. Then, open the VS Code Chat panel and select the <strong>pylancerunCodeSnippet</strong> tool via the <em>Add context…</em> menu. Remember that all AI-generated code should be inspected before execution. Reviewing the logic and intent ensures it aligns with your project's goals and maintains safety and correctness.</p> <h2 id="q5">What improvements have been made to the Python Environments extension?</h2> <p>Based on user feedback, the Python Environments extension received several upgrades. The Conda experience now has reduced friction and fewer unexpected behaviors. Additionally, pipenv support has been added, making it easier to manage Python environments. The team thanks everyone who submitted bug reports and suggestions to help refine these features. These changes aim to provide a smoother, more predictable environment management workflow.</p> <h2 id="q6">Can I still participate in the Python typing survey?</h2> <p>Yes! The 2025 Python Type System and Tooling Survey is open for responses. Your input helps shape the future of Python typing. You can access it at: <a href="https://jb.gg/d7dqty">https://jb.gg/d7dqty</a>. The survey is a great opportunity to influence tooling and language evolution.</p> <h2 id="q7">Where can I find the full list of changes and provide feedback?</h2> <p>For a complete overview of all improvements, refer to the changelogs for the Python, Jupyter, and Pylance extensions. You can also provide feedback through the VS Code repository or the specific extension pages. Community input is always welcome and helps drive future updates.</p>