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Add ignoreFocusOut setting for "Select Interpreter" Quick Pick #25703

@wexon7126

Description

@wexon7126

Type: UI/UX

Summary

The "Select Interpreter" Quick Pick provided by the vscode-python extension behaves differently from native VS Code Quick Pick (e.g., Command Palette, Go to File). In native Quick Pick, clicking outside the dropdown dismisses it. In the Python extension, the dropdown cannot be dismissed with mouse-only actions — the only options are selecting an interpreter or pressing Esc.

Discussion

  • The Python extension may have specific reasons for overriding this behavior (e.g., to prevent accidental dismissal).
  • However, this creates inconsistency and accessibility concerns, especially for users who are not easy to switch between mouse/keyboard operations.

Accessibility Impact

  • Users who cannot easily use the keyboard (e.g., some people with disabilities) are forced to select an interpreter even if they only wanted to cancel.
  • This increases cognitive and operational burden compared to native Quick Pick behavior.

Suggestion

  • Align the Python extension’s Quick Pick with VS Code’s native behavior by default (dismiss on focus out).
  • If the current design is intentional, consider adding a setting such as:
  "python.interpreterSelection.ignoreFocusOut": true | false

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feature-requestRequest for new features or functionalityinfo-neededIssue requires more information from postertriage-neededNeeds assignment to the proper sub-team

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