March 2026 Python Extension Update: Faster Indexing and Cross-Package Symbol Search

Introduction

The March 2026 release of the Python extension for Visual Studio Code introduces two notable enhancements aimed at boosting developer productivity: a new opt-in setting to search symbols across installed packages, and an experimental Rust-based parallel indexer that promises dramatic speed improvements. These features are available in the latest versions of both the Python extension and Pylance, Microsoft's language server for Python. Below, we explore each feature in detail, including how to enable them and what benefits they bring to your workflow.

Search Python Symbols in Installed Packages

When diving into a new codebase or exploring an unfamiliar library, quickly locating a function or class definition—even if it resides outside your workspace—can be a challenge. With this release, Pylance can now include symbols from packages installed in your active virtual environment in the Workspace Symbol search (Cmd/Ctrl+T). This makes it possible to navigate directly into third-party library code without leaving VS Code or reaching for external documentation.

Controlling the Behavior

The feature is controlled by a new setting: Python › Analysis: Include Venv In Workspace Symbols. When enabled:

• Workspace Symbol search surfaces symbols from packages in your active virtual environment's site-packages directory.
• You can navigate into third-party libraries directly from the search results.
• For libraries without py.typed, only symbols exported via __init__.py or __all__ are included, keeping results focused and relevant.

Performance Tuning

Because indexing installed packages can impact performance, this feature is opt-in by design. You can fine-tune the depth of indexing per package using the Python › Analysis: Package Index Depths setting, which controls how deeply Pylance searches into sub-modules. This gives you richer code exploration when you need it, without altering the default experience for everyone else.

How to Enable Symbol Search

1. Open Settings (Cmd+, on macOS, Ctrl+, on Windows/Linux).
2. Search for "Include Venv In Workspace Symbols".
3. Check the box under Python › Analysis.

Experimental: Rust-Based Parallel Indexer

Indexing is the engine behind completions, auto-imports, and workspace symbol search. The March release introduces an experimental setting that switches Pylance’s indexer to a new Rust-based parallel implementation that runs out-of-process. According to internal testing, this indexer is on average 10× faster on large Python projects, resulting in faster completions after workspace open and a more responsive IntelliSense experience overall.

Availability and Activation

The parallel indexer is controlled by the Python › Analysis: Enable Parallel Indexing setting. This is intentionally experimental: Microsoft wants to validate performance gains and reliability across the wide variety of project setups and environments before making it the default. To try it:

1. Open Settings (Cmd+, or Ctrl+,).
2. Search for "Parallel Indexing".
3. Check Enable Parallel Indexing (Experimental) under Python › Analysis.

Alternatively, add this line to your settings.json:

"python.analysis.enableParallelIndexing": true

After enabling, reload VS Code (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → Reload Window) to ensure the new indexer starts cleanly. This setting has the most impact on larger projects—small projects may see little difference.

We Want Your Feedback

The team encourages users to test the parallel indexer and share their experiences. If you notice faster completions, slower behavior, or any other issues, please provide feedback through the VS Code Python extension repository. Your input will help shape the future of Python tooling in VS Code.

Conclusion

The March 2026 update brings meaningful improvements to Python development in VS Code. The ability to search symbols inside installed packages streamlines code exploration, while the experimental Rust-based parallel indexer offers a glimpse of dramatically faster IntelliSense. Both features are opt-in, allowing you to tailor your environment to your specific needs. Give them a try and see how they enhance your workflow.