Install the Python extension in VSCode by navigating to the Extensions View (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac) and searching for "Python".

Open your Python project folder in VSCode by selecting File > Open Folder.

Ensure the correct Python interpreter is selected by opening the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac), typing Python: Select Interpreter, and choosing the appropriate environment.

Create or open the Python file you want to debug.

Set breakpoints by clicking in the gutter (left margin) next to the line numbers where you want the code to pause during execution.

Open the Run and Debug view by clicking the play icon with a bug in the Activity Bar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+D (Cmd+Shift+D on Mac).

Click Create a launch.json file if prompted, and select Python File as the configuration. This generates a launch.json file in the .vscode folder.

Start debugging by pressing F5 or clicking the green play button in the Run and Debug view. The debugger will pause at the breakpoints you set.

Use the Debug Toolbar to control execution: Continue (F5): Runs the program until the next breakpoint. Step Over (F10): Executes the next line without stepping into functions. Step Into (F11): Steps into functions to debug them line by line. Step Out (Shift+F11): Exits the current function and returns to the caller.

Inspect variables in the Variables Pane or hover over variables in the editor to see their current values.

Use the Debug Console to evaluate expressions, modify variables, or execute Python commands during debugging.

To debug with arguments, modify the launch.json file by adding "args": ["your_argument"] under the "configurations" section.

Stop debugging by clicking the Stop button or pressing Shift+F5.