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NumPy array metadata (shape, dtype, ndim) #987

@urizackhem

Description

@urizackhem

Type: Feature Request

Hello VS Code team,

Feature request: please add an option to show NumPy array metadata (shape, dtype, ndim) directly in the Variables/Locals view when debugging Python. Current workarounds (Data Viewer, Watch, Debug Console) are helpful but a compact shape/dtype column would greatly speed up debugging numeric code.

Use case:

  • Quickly inspect array shapes/dtypes (e.g., frame.shape, frame.dtype) while paused at breakpoints without opening the Data Viewer or adding watches.
  • Helpful for image-processing / ML workflows where many arrays are inspected frequently.

Suggested design:

  • Add optional compact badges or columns in Variables: name | type | shape | dtype | value-preview.
  • Or provide a toggle Python: Show Array Shape/DType in Variables.

Repro steps:

  1. Open a Python file using NumPy arrays.
  2. Start debugger and pause on a line where arrays exist.
  3. Observe Variables view — shape/dtype not visible by default.

Environment:

  • VS Code version: 1.109.4
  • Python extension: 2026.2.0
  • OS: linux

Thanks for considering.

Regards,
Uri ZACKHEM urizackhem@gmail.com

VS Code version: Code 1.109.4 (c3a26841a84f20dfe0850d0a5a9bd01da4f003ea, 2026-02-16T15:35:57.932Z)
OS version: Linux x64 6.17.0-14-generic snap
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