How to Use Git in Visual Studio Code?

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors, known for its lightweight design and powerful extensions. Among its many features, Git integration is particularly valuable, enabling developers to manage their version control directly within the editor.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of using Git in VS Code, from setting it up to performing essential version control tasks like committing changes, branching, and pushing code to remote repositories.

Prerequisites

Before diving into Git in VS Code, ensure the following:

1. Install Git: If Git is not installed, download and install it from https://git-scm.com/.
2. Install VS Code: Download and install Visual Studio Code from https://code.visualstudio.com/.
3. Git Configurations: Set up your Git username and email: git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "[email protected]"
4. Repository: Have a local or remote Git repository ready to use.

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Setting Up Git in Visual Studio Code

1. Check Git Installation in VS Code
   • Open VS Code.
   • Open the built-in terminal (`Ctrl + “`).
   • Type the following command to check Git version: git --version
   If Git is correctly installed, the version number will be displayed.
2. Enable Git in VS Code
   VS Code automatically detects Git installations. To ensure it’s enabled:
   • Go to Settings (Ctrl + , or Cmd + , on macOS).
   • Search for “Git: Enabled” and ensure the option is checked.

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Essential Git Tasks in Visual Studio Code

1. Clone a Repository

To clone a repository directly into VS Code:

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P on macOS).
2. Type Git: Clone and select the option.
3. Paste the repository URL (HTTPS or SSH).
4. Choose a folder to save the repository locally.

Once cloned, VS Code will prompt you to open the folder.

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2. Initialize a Repository

To initialize a new Git repository:

1. Open your project folder in VS Code.
2. Click the Source Control icon in the Activity Bar on the left-hand side.
3. Click Initialize Repository.

A .git folder will be created, and the Source Control view will show the repository’s status.

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3. Stage and Commit Changes

Stage Changes:

1. Make changes to your files.
2. Open the Source Control view.
3. Click the + icon next to each file to stage it, or click the + icon at the top to stage all changes.

Commit Changes:

1. Type a commit message in the message box.
2. Click the checkmark (✔) icon to commit the changes.

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4. Push Changes to a Remote Repository

To push changes to a remote repository:

1. Click the Publish Branch button in the Source Control view if it’s a new repository.
2. For existing repositories, click the ... menu in the Source Control view and select Push.
3. If prompted, log in to your Git provider (e.g., GitHub, GitLab).

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5. Pull Changes from Remote Repository

To fetch and integrate changes from the remote repository:

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P).
2. Type Git: Pull and select the option.
3. Changes will be pulled into your local repository.

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6. Create and Switch Branches

Create a Branch:

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P).
2. Type Git: Create Branch and select the option.
3. Enter a name for your new branch.

Switch Branches:

1. Click on the current branch name in the bottom-left corner of the VS Code window.
2. Select the branch you want to switch to from the list.

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7. Resolve Merge Conflicts

If you encounter merge conflicts:

1. VS Code highlights the conflicting sections of code.
2. Use the inline actions (e.g., Accept Current Change, Accept Incoming Change) to resolve conflicts.
3. Stage the resolved files and commit the changes.

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Additional Features

GitLens Extension

For enhanced Git capabilities, install the GitLens extension. It provides:

• Detailed commit history.
• Author information inline.
• Advanced diff and blame views.

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Best Practices

1. Commit Frequently: Break your work into small, logical units and commit often.
2. Use Meaningful Messages: Write clear and descriptive commit messages.
3. Sync Regularly: Pull changes from the remote repository to stay up-to-date.
4. Avoid Force Pushing: Use git push --force cautiously, especially on shared branches.

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Conclusion

Visual Studio Code makes it easy to integrate Git into your development workflow. With built-in features and extensions like GitLens, you can manage repositories, collaborate with your team, and maintain version control—all within a single interface.

By mastering Git in VS Code, you can streamline your development process and focus on writing great code.