Running Two Python Files Simultaneously in Visual Studio Code

Learn how to effectively run two Python scripts at the same time in Visual Studio Code to handle data processing and real-time web applications.
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Running Two Python Files Simultaneously in Visual Studio Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you juggling multiple Python files that need to run at the same time? Whether you're collecting live data and displaying it on a web dashboard, or handling different tasks in a project, the ability to run two Python scripts concurrently can save you a lot of hassle. In this post, we will tackle a common challenge: running two Python files simultaneously in Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

The Problem: Managing Infinite Loops

Let's say you have two Python scripts:

Data Mining Script - This script continuously collects stock price data and writes it to a database.

Web Application Script - This uses Python Dash to create a web interface to display the real-time data from the database.

The challenge arises because both scripts contain infinite loops—one for data collection and another for running the web server. Running them simultaneously requires a proper approach that VS Code alone does not provide.

Example Code Structure

Here’s a simple structure of what your code might look like:

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In this configuration, you'll find that launching one script usually blocks the other, preventing you from running both at the same time in the terminal within VS Code.

The Solution: Using the Terminal

Fortunately, there is a straightforward solution that many users have found effective. Here’s how you can run multiple Python scripts in parallel using the terminal:

Steps to Execute Both Scripts

Open Terminal in Visual Studio Code: You can open the terminal by navigating to View > Terminal, or simply use the shortcut Ctrl + ` .

Navigate to Your Script's Directory: Use the cd command to change directories to where your Python scripts are located. For example:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Run Your Scripts: Open a new terminal tab (click the plus icon), and in each terminal, run the corresponding script using:

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In a second terminal, use:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Benefits of This Approach

Separation of Processes: Each script runs in its own terminal, allowing you to manage and debug them independently.

Real-Time Data Handling: Your data mining and web application can operate simultaneously without conflict.

Simplicity: You don't need to delve into complex multithreading or multiprocessing concepts, making it suitable for developers at any level.

Conclusion

Running two Python files at the same time doesn’t have to be a headache. By simply utilizing the terminal in Visual Studio Code, you can effectively launch and manage your scripts. This strategy allows you to gather data for your application in real time while also providing a user interface to view that data seamlessly.

Now, you can focus on enhancing your scripts and creating a more dynamic user experience without the frustration of blocking processes. Happy coding!