Understanding python.analysis.completeFunctionParens in Pylance

June 23, 2026 · View on GitHub

Pylance is a fast and feature-rich language server extension for Python in Visual Studio Code, powered by the Pyright static type checker.

The python.analysis.completeFunctionParens setting controls whether Pylance adds parentheses when you accept a function or method completion.

What is python.analysis.completeFunctionParens?

By default, when you accept a completion for a function or method, Pylance inserts only the name (for example len). With this setting enabled, Pylance instead inserts the name and a matching pair of parentheses, then places the cursor between them so you can start typing arguments immediately (for example len(|)).

This exists because many developers prefer to call a function the moment they select it, rather than typing the parentheses by hand. It is most useful if you frequently complete functions and want fewer keystrokes.

Type: boolean Default: false Scope: resource (can be set per workspace or folder)

Example

With the setting disabled (the default), accepting the print completion inserts only the name:

print

With the setting enabled, Pylance inserts the parentheses and places the cursor between them, ready for arguments (| marks the cursor position):

print(|)

How to Change python.analysis.completeFunctionParens

Using the Settings UI

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P) and run Preferences: Open Settings (UI).
  2. Search for python.analysis.completeFunctionParens.
  3. Check the box to enable it.

Using settings.json

{
    "python.analysis.completeFunctionParens": true
}

When to Use It

  • Enable if you want function completions to be immediately callable and prefer to fill in arguments right away.
  • Keep disabled if you often reference functions without calling them (for example passing a function as a callback), where extra parentheses would get in the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why weren't parentheses added in some completions?

Pylance deliberately skips parentheses in contexts where a call is not appropriate — inside import statements, type annotations, class names, and decorators.

Does it work with auto-imported functions?

Yes. The setting applies to function and method completions in the completion list, including functions that are auto-imported when you accept the suggestion.

How do I reference a function without calling it?

Keep the setting disabled, or delete the inserted parentheses after accepting the completion.

For more information on Pylance settings and customization, refer to the Pylance Settings and Customization documentation.

This document was generated with the assistance of AI and has been reviewed by humans for accuracy and completeness.