2b Activity: Devcontainers and Codespaces

Goal

We will add our own devcontainer configuration to the practice repository from 2a.

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Activity

1. Open The Practice Repo

Start on GitHub in Chrome or Edge.

1. Open the python_tmr_practice repository you created in 2a.
2. Click the green Code button.
3. Click the Codespaces tab.
4. Open the existing Codespace, or create a new one if needed.

I opened the practice repository in Codespaces.

2. Add Devcontainer Files

In VS Code Web:

1. Open the Command Palette with F1 or Shift+Command+P.
2. Search for add dev.
3. Choose Codespaces: Add Dev Container Configuration Files….
4. Choose a Python configuration.
5. If asked for a Python version, choose Python 3.13 if it is available. Otherwise, accept the default.
6. Accept the remaining default options.

The exact list of choices can change a little over time. The important thing is that we are adding a .devcontainer/ folder to the repository.

I added devcontainer configuration files from the Command Palette.

I found the .devcontainer/ folder in the Explorer.

3. Inspect the Recipe

Open .devcontainer/devcontainer.json.

Look for:

• the name of the configuration;
• the base image or feature choices;
• any VS Code extension recommendations;
• any setup commands.

Do not worry if your file does not match the course repository.

I opened .devcontainer/devcontainer.json.

I identified at least one thing this file controls.

4. Rebuild if Prompted

VS Code may ask whether you want to rebuild or reopen the Codespace using the new configuration.

Once you’re finished editing, you can follow the prompts to rebuild or use the Command Palette to search for and choose Codespaces: Rebuild Container.

The key thing to note is that the repository now contains our environment recipe.

I can explain why changing the devcontainer may require rebuilding the Codespace.

5. Commit And Push

Use Source Control:

1. Review the .devcontainer/ changes.
2. Find the .devcontainer/ files under Changes.
3. Hover over each file and click the + button to stage it.
4. Confirm that the files moved from Changes to Staged Changes.
5. Commit with a message such as:

Added Python devcontainer configuration.

Push or sync the commit to GitHub.

I reviewed the .devcontainer/ changes.

I committed the .devcontainer/ configuration.

I pushed or synced the commit to GitHub.