Understanding python.analysis.enableEditableInstalls in Pylance

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.enableEditableInstalls setting controls whether Pylance resolves packages that were installed in editable mode according to PEP 660.

What is python.analysis.enableEditableInstalls?

Editable installs (for example pip install -e .) let you import a package while still editing its source in place. PEP 660 defines how build backends expose those packages. When this setting is enabled, Pylance understands PEP 660 editable installs when you are using Python 3.13 or higher, so imports from editable packages resolve to your source and provide accurate completions, navigation, and type information.

Type: boolean Default: true Scope: machine (applies to your machine, not per workspace)

Note: This is an experimental capability. If you encounter problems with editable-install resolution, you can disable this setting to revert to the previous behavior.

How to Change python.analysis.enableEditableInstalls

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.enableEditableInstalls.
3. Check or uncheck the box.

Using settings.json

{
    "python.analysis.enableEditableInstalls": true
}

When to Use It

• Keep enabled (the default) if you develop packages with editable installs on Python 3.13+ and want imports from them resolved to your source.
• Disable if you experience unexpected import-resolution behavior related to editable installs.

Related Settings

• python.analysis.extraPaths — adds extra import search paths for packages that are not installed.
• python.analysis.useLibraryCodeForTypes — infers types from library source when stubs are unavailable.

See Also

• Working with Editable Installs — how to make editable installs resolve correctly in Pylance.

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

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