> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating projects

> Organize your Python projects in VS Code

## Create a projects folder

Before we start coding, let's create a dedicated place for all your Python projects.

<Tip>
  Having one folder for all your projects keeps your computer organized and makes it easy to find your code later.
</Tip>

1. **Create a main folder** for all your Python work:
   * **Windows**: Create a folder called `PythonProjects` in your Documents
   * **macOS**: Create a folder called `PythonProjects` in your home directory
   * **Linux**: Create a folder called `PythonProjects` in your home directory

2. **Create your first project folder**:
   * Inside your PythonProjects folder, create a new folder called `python-for-ai` (all lowercase)
   * This will be our learning project for this course

<Note>
  You can name your project folder anything you like, but I usually use lowercase letters with dashes (called "kebab-case") like `python-for-ai` or `my-first-project`. This matches how projects appear on GitHub (more on that later).
</Note>

## Open folder in VS Code

Now let's open this folder in VS Code. There are several ways:

**Method 1: From VS Code**

1. Open VS Code
2. Click "File" > "Open Folder" (or press `Ctrl/Cmd + O`)
3. Navigate to your `python-for-ai` folder
4. Click "Select Folder" (Windows) or "Open" (Mac/Linux)

**Method 2: From file explorer**

* **Windows**: Right-click the folder > "Open with Code"
* **macOS**: Drag the folder onto the VS Code icon
* **Linux**: Right-click the folder > "Open with Code"

## Understanding the interface

When you open a folder in VS Code:

* **Left sidebar**: Shows all files in your project (currently empty)
* **Main area**: Where you'll write code
* **Bottom panel**: Terminal, problems, output
* **Top**: Menu and tabs for open files

<Note>
  VS Code always works with folders, not individual files. This helps it understand your project structure and provide better suggestions.
</Note>

## Save as workspace

A workspace saves your project settings and makes it easy to return to your project later.

1. With your `python-for-ai` folder open, click "File" > "Save Workspace As..."
2. Save it in the same `python-for-ai` folder
3. Name it `python-for-ai.code-workspace`
4. Click "Save"

## What's a workspace?

A workspace is like a bookmark for your project. It remembers:

* Which folder you're working in
* Your editor settings for this project
* Which files you had open
* Your debugging configuration

## Test your workspace

Let's make sure the workspace works:

1. Close VS Code completely
2. Go to your `python-for-ai` folder
3. Double-click the `python-for-ai.code-workspace` file
4. VS Code opens with your project ready!

<Tip>
  You can create a desktop shortcut to your workspace file for even quicker access to your project.
</Tip>

## Project structure

Your folder should now look like this:

```
PythonProjects/
└── python-for-ai/
    └── python-for-ai.code-workspace
```

We're ready to create our first Python file!

<Card title="Your first Python file" icon="file-code" href="/getting-started/first-python-file">
  Create and run your first Python program
</Card>