Run Python files with 'uv run' in VS Code and Cursor

If you use uv to manage Python dependencies, the built‑in "Run Python File" action in VS Code/Cursor will still execute with your selected interpreter, not with uv run. Even if you point the Python interpreter at a uv venv, uv scripts still need to be run via uv run foo.py so that dependencies and environment are resolved correctly.

Here is how I setup a quick way to run the active file with uv run without opening the terminal every time. Create .vscode/tasks.json with this content:

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "uv: run active file",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "uv",
      "args": ["run", "${fileBasename}"],
      "options": {
        // Run in the file's directory so imports and relative paths work
        "cwd": "${fileDirname}"
      },
      "problemMatcher": [],
      // Make this the default task so you can press Ctrl+Shift+B
      "group": { "kind": "build", "isDefault": true }
    }
  ]
}

This adds a task called uv: run active file. Because it’s the default build task, you can run it with the standard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+B. You can also run it from the menu: Terminal → Run Build Task → uv: run active file, but that's not so convenient.

I also wanted a one‑click button, so I installed the Tasks extension by actboy168. Then added a statusbar section to the same task:

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "uv: run active file",
      // ...
      // Requires the "Tasks" extension by actboy168
      "statusbar": { "label": "$(play) uv run" }
    }
  ]
}

This adds a play‑icon button to the status bar that runs the active file with uv run.

I also didn't love the Ctrl+Shift+B shortcut, so I added a keybinding to Ctrl+B to run the task.

// In command palette: "Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON)"
{ "key": "ctrl+b", "command": "workbench.action.tasks.runTask", "args": "uv: run active file", "when": "editorTextFocus" }

What didn't work

I couldn't get the Run Python File button to run with the uv interpreter. I also couldn't add a button to the Tab menu next to the Run Python File button.

There's an option to use Python Debugger: Debug using launch.json, but I don't always want to debug.