---
description: >-
  We don't create our code-base using using notepad, and we don't expect you to
  either. It's time to get serious and get a suitable Integrated Development
  Environment (IDE).
---

# Get an IDE

While it's not necessary to modify the code-base to use our Django products, we recognize that many of our users will want to make changes beyond what our Admin views allow. And for that, you'll likely want to make use of a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE). What is an IDE and why do you need it? Well, think of an IDE as like a text-editor on steroids, which has built-in functionality specifically designed to help you code in your chosen language. Auto-completion, snippet insertion, and debugging, just to name a few.

### Install VS Code

Considering Django is built on Python, you'll want a Python-friendly IDE. And even nicer, an IDE which understands the structure and interactions of a typical Django project and can play nicely with Docker configurations. So for that, we recommend you use [Microsoft's VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/download). It's a great IDE which is open source and compatible with a range of OS types. Not only that, but we include the necessary configurations in the majority of our products so that you can leverage VS Code's debug functionality via our Docker containers right off-the-bat.&#x20;

### Setting up VS Code

Now, after installing VS Code, you will need to open it up and install some extensions to get the IDE ready. As a minimum, you will want to install the '[Python](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python)' extension to get the Python-specific functionality you need, '[Docker](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-azuretools.vscode-docker)' extension to work with our Docker configurations, and WSL users may want to consider installing the '[Remote - WSL](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.remote-wsl)' extension for some added functionality.

You can install these either via the market place links above, or by using the 'Extensions' tab on the left menu of VS Code and typing in the extension name in the search bar. Have a [read through this](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/extension-gallery) if you have any trouble.

![](https://2975626637-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MFpsQ2inECw6z2nVDtc%2F-MGulgW2H9upGnxhy852%2F-MGxocyqO5n6-ku1a8GL%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=74e099d0-5a65-4a6f-9796-73767d2a5fe6)

_This part of the DjangoMango Docs is a work-in-progress, please check back for updates._
