Conda install prompt missing reload step

[eleanorjboyd]

When a user does not have conda they are prompted to install it with a popup message. This message links to this page for installs: https://docs.anaconda.com/anaconda/install/ but after installing and returning to vs code the window needs to be reloaded in order for the conda install to be recognized. Docs should be edited to tell users to reload window following conda install.

[luabud]

@eleanorjboyd we could update our docs but for someone who's following this flow, it's unlikely they would land into our docs. Is the idea here that we ask the Anaconda team to include in their docs that if users are using an editor or IDE they may need to reload the window?

Another option would be somehow display a reload info or even button in the notification we display about conda, the challenge here is to make it obvious it needs to be reloaded after installation is complete.

[eleanorjboyd]

what about our popup leading to conda could say "reload after download required" so they see those two steps together? Additionally we could have it so if someone looks up the error message they get if they forget to reload and searches it online it would come up with our docs that suggest reloading. I am guessing the hassle of contacting Anaconda is high for not that much upside so I that path is probably less advisable.

[karrtikr]

When a user does not have conda they are prompted to install it with a popup message

@eleanorjboyd I am not sure which prompt you're referring to here 🤔can you clarify?

[eleanorjboyd]

it was one of the notifications in the bottom right corner that said I did not have conda install and included the link to the website where one would download conda. I now have the setup correct but could try in new venv to see if I can get the same message to appear?

[karrtikr]

Ah found it

vscode-python/src/client/pythonEnvironments/creation/provider/condaUtils.ts

Line 16 in 83fff4f

const response = await showErrorMessage(CreateEnv.Conda.condaMissing, Common.learnMore);

Karthik added this with his Create environment work. We should change this prompt to include "learn more" in the prompt text itself, so the prompt doesn't disappear after it is clicked. And maybe add a reload window button which can be used post installation.

[eleanorjboyd]

yep that sounds great! I think just somehow telling people that following the installation reload will be required in order to make it function would be helpful. Thanks

[karthiknadig]

Closing this, in the new extension, we don't expose conda features if conda is not installed. Also, we now have APIs that allow extension developers to control this behavior end-to-end.