A simpler way to manage Python environments in VSCode: introducing “Facil .ENV”

Managing Python environments in VSCode shouldn’t feel like a mini-boss fight

If you use Python in VSCode long enough, you eventually run into the same routine:

Create a virtual environment

Activate it manually

Switch between multiple venvs depending on the folder

Try to remember where each environment ended up

Open a terminal… again… and again…

At some point I got tired of repeating the same steps every day, so I built a small extension to make the whole process painless.

It’s called Facil .ENV, and its goal is simple:
manage your Python environments in VSCode with one click instead of several commands.

🚀 What “Facil .ENV” does

Here’s the functionality it brings to VSCode:

1. Create Python virtual environments with one click

No more typing python -m venv .venv or worrying about which folder you’re in.

1. Activate environments instantly

Click → activated.
No more “which terminal am I in?” moments.

1. Automatically detect existing environments

Even if they’re inside folders like .dev, .qa, .pdn, or any custom path.
The extension scans them and shows them visually.

1. A clean visual panel for all your environments

Instead of digging through terminals or file explorers, you see all environments in a dedicated sidebar view.

1. Quick commands in Command Palette

Prefer keyboard shortcuts?
All actions are available through the palette as well.

1. Simple, clean, VSCode-style icons

Nothing flashy. Just functional and familiar.

🎯 Why I built it

This extension started as a personal tool.
I work with multiple environments daily—dev, qa, pdn—and juggling virtualenvs across projects was becoming a chore.

I tried other tools, but most were either too complex or didn’t integrate well with the VSCode workflow.

So I built something focused, practical, and minimalistic—just enough to solve the problem without turning into a monster of features.

Over time it became so useful to me that I figured others might benefit too.

📦 Installation

You can install it directly from the VSCode Marketplace:

👉 Facil .ENV
(add your Marketplace link here)

Or search for:
“Facil ENV”

📸 Demo (optional GIF)

🧩 How it works (quick overview)

Internally, the extension:

Calls the Python interpreter configured in VSCode

Uses VSCode APIs to manage terminals

Resolves environment paths

Adds a custom Webview to display the environment dashboard

Caches recent environments for faster detection

Exposes well-named commands like:

easyenv.createVenv

easyenv.activateEnv

easyenv.refresh

It’s intentionally lightweight—no external dependencies or heavy processes.

📚 For developers: Code & Contributions

If you want to take a look at the source code or contribute:

👉 GitHub Repository:
https://github.com/polosoft1/Facil-ENV

Any suggestions, issues, or ideas for improvements are welcome.

💬 Feedback is appreciated

If you try it and have thoughts—positive or negative—I’d love to hear them.
Tools like these only improve through real-world use.

Thanks for reading, and I hope Facil .ENV makes your Python workflow a bit smoother.