Secure Minimal Python Dev Container

Development containers provide isolated, consistent environments that eliminate the "works on my machine" problem. This setup gives you a ready-to-use Python development environment with security best practices and essential tools pre-installed.

Instead of spending hours configuring Python versions, extensions, and dependencies, you get a working setup in minutes. Perfect for teams who want consistent development environments across different machines and platforms.

Quick Start

1. Clone or download this template
2. Open the folder in VS Code
3. Install the "Dev Containers" extension if not already installed
4. Customize requirements.txt and .devcontainer/devcontainer.json for your project needs
5. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac) → "Dev Containers: Reopen in Container"
6. Wait for the container to build and dependencies to install

Happy coding!

Verification

Once your container is running, verify everything works:

pytest

You should see the test pass, confirming your development environment is ready.

What You Get

• Python 3.14 environment (via official devcontainers image)
• Complete Python toolchain:
  • Python extension (ms-python.python)
  • Pylance language server (ms-python.pylance)
  • Debugpy debugger (ms-python.debugpy)
  • Black code formatter (ms-python.black-formatter)
• Testing framework (pytest with coverage)
• AWS CLI (pre-installed via devcontainer features)
• Security settings to prevent credential leaks
• AI coding ready (minimal token waste, avoids common traps)
• Quiet pip output by default to reduce noise (can be disabled)

Pre-installed Tools

• AWS CLI: Cloud development ready—AWS CLI is pre-installed for easy integration.
• Quiet pip output: By default, pip output is minimized to reduce noise. Unset PIP_QUIET to see full pip logs.

VS Code Extensions

The container auto-installs:

• ms-python.python – Python support
• ms-python.pylance – Language server
• ms-python.debugpy – Debugging
• ms-python.black-formatter – Code formatting

Note: AI coding assistant extensions (Cline, Kilo, Roo) are available but not enabled by default. Uncomment them in .devcontainer/devcontainer.json if desired.

Files

• .devcontainer/devcontainer.json – Container configuration
• .devcontainer/Dockerfile – Base image (Python 3.14)
• requirements.txt – Testing and formatting dependencies (pytest, pytest-cov, black)
• pytest.ini – Test configuration
• example.py – Example Python script

Key Settings

• Security:
  • Prevents Docker/Git credentials from leaking into the container
  • Disables Git credential helper and WSL credential copying
• Extensions:
  • Auto-installs core Python and formatting tools
• Auto-install:
  • Python dependencies install automatically on container creation
• AI Ready:
  • Avoids common traps, saves tokens by suppressing verbose logs

Platform Note

• The container is built for linux/amd64 by default (set in .devcontainer/devcontainer.json). If you are on Apple Silicon (ARM), this ensures compatibility.

Customization

• Edit requirements.txt for your project dependencies
• Adjust .devcontainer/devcontainer.json to add features, tools, or extensions

License

GNU General Public License v3.0