Python Dev Container Starter

This is a minimal starter project for Python development using Docker containers and VSCode Dev Containers.

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How to Use

1. Install Docker Desktop and VSCode.
2. Install the Dev Containers extension in VSCode (Microsoft).
3. Clone this repository:

   gh repo clone sheepnir/my-python-container-project

4. Rename the local project folder:

   mv my-python-container-project my-new-project
   cd my-new-project

5. Remove old Git history and initialize a fresh repo:

   rm -rf .git
   git init
   git add .
   git commit -m "Initial commit"

6. Create a new GitHub repository and push:

   gh repo create my-new-project --public --source=. --remote=origin
   git push -u origin main

7. Open the project in VSCode.
8. When prompted, click "Reopen in Container".

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Development Workflow

To start coding:

• Open the folder in VSCode.
• It will automatically build and start the container.
• Your code (inside /app) will be live inside the container.
• Modify any Python file — no need to rebuild unless you change Python packages.

To install new Python packages:

1. Add the package name to requirements.txt.
2. Rebuild the container:
   • Open Command Palette (Cmd + Shift + P) → Dev Containers: Rebuild Container.
   • Or click the green corner button in VSCode and select Rebuild Container.

To run the application:

1. Open a terminal in VSCode (inside the container).
2. Run:

   python main.py

3. The Flask app will start and listen on 0.0.0.0:5000.

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Accessing the Application from Your Machine

Even though the app runs inside a container, it will be automatically forwarded to your Mac.

Open your browser and navigate to:

http://localhost:5000

You should see:

Hello from inside the container!

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Gracefully Shutting Down and Switching Projects

When you are done working on this project and want to switch:

1. Simply close the VSCode window.
2. This automatically stops and removes the running container.
3. Open your next project folder and Reopen in Container if needed.

Alternatively, you can manually stop containers using Docker Desktop.

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Useful Commands

Task	Command
Rebuild container after changing requirements	Dev Containers: Rebuild Container
Open a shell inside the container	Open Terminal in VSCode
Stop container	Close VSCode window or use Docker Desktop

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Your Mac remains clean, and each project stays fully isolated inside its container.

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Happy Coding!