Microsoft Splits VS Code Python Extension into Black, isort, and Jupyter Powertoys Extensions

Last month Microsoft began splitting the VS Code Python extension, first extracting the linting functionality into a separate Pylint extension to improve performance, stability, and independent updating.

Continuing this effort, Microsoft has now separated three more features into independent extensions: Black, isort, and Jupyter Powertoys.

Black Extension

The Black extension provides LSP‑based formatting support for Python files using the Black code formatter. To use it, right‑click a Python file, choose “Format Document With…”, and select Black.

If you want Black to be the default formatter, add the following to your VS Code settings:

<code>"[python]": {
    "editor.defaultFormatter": "ms-python.black-formatter"
}</code>

This extension supports all actively supported Python versions (≥ 3.7).

The bundled Black is used only when no Black version is found in the selected Python environment.

Minimum supported Black version is 22.3.0.

isort Extension

The isort extension sorts import statements according to isort rules. When an opened file contains unsorted imports, the extension shows a diagnostic and offers a quick‑fix action.

This extension supports all actively supported Python versions (≥ 3.7).

The bundled isort is used only when no isort version is found in the selected Python environment.

Minimum supported isort version is 5.10.1.

Jupyter Powertoys Extension

The Jupyter Powertoys extension adds experimental features to complement the main Jupyter extension. Its roadmap is not fixed; popular features may be promoted to the main Jupyter VS Code extension.

Prototype features in the first version include:

Contextual help (see image).

Execution grouping (see image).

All three extensions are available on the VS Code Marketplace; developers can install them directly or raise issues and feature requests on their GitHub pages.