How to Use Git in Visual Studio Code: A Complete Guide

In the world of software development, Git is a must-have tool. It’s the backbone of version control, allowing developers to track changes, collaborate with teams, and manage projects efficiently. While Git can be used through the command line, many developers prefer a more user-friendly interface—and that’s where Visual Studio Code (VS Code) comes in.

VS Code is not just a text editor; it’s a powerful coding environment. One of its greatest strengths is its built-in Git integration, which makes it easier for beginners and professionals alike to manage repositories without leaving the editor.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to use Git in VS Code. Whether you’re new to Git or looking to streamline your workflow, this guide will cover everything from setup to committing, branching, and pushing changes.

---

What is Git and Why Use It in VS Code?

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly understand what Git is.

Git is a distributed version control system. It lets you:

• Track changes in your code
• Collaborate with team members
• Roll back to previous versions if something breaks
• Manage multiple project versions through branches

Now, why use it in VS Code?

• VS Code has built-in Git support, so you don’t need external tools.
• The interface shows changes clearly with icons, colors, and diffs.
• It allows smooth collaboration with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
• You can use both GUI (graphical interface) and terminal commands in one place.

This makes VS Code a one-stop solution for coding and version control.

---

Step 1: Install Git

Before using Git in VS Code, you need Git installed on your system.

For Windows:

1. Download Git from the official website: https://git-scm.com.
2. Run the installer and follow the default settings.
3. After installation, open Command Prompt and type:

git --version

If it shows a version number, Git is installed successfully.

For macOS/Linux:

Use the terminal and type:

brew install git   # macOS with Homebrew
sudo apt-get install git   # Ubuntu/Debian

Check installation:

git --version

---

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code

If you don’t already have VS Code:

• Download it from https://code.visualstudio.com.
• Install it with default settings.

Once done, open VS Code.

---

Step 3: Configure Git in VS Code

Before using Git, set up your username and email, which will be linked to your commits.

Open the Terminal in VS Code (Ctrl + ~) and enter:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "youremail@example.com"

You can verify your configuration by typing:

git config --list

This ensures all commits are tagged with your identity.

---

Step 4: Open or Create a Repository

In VS Code, you can either:

• Open an existing repository: Click File > Open Folder and select your Git-enabled project.
• Create a new repository:
  1. Open a folder in VS Code.
  2. Go to the Source Control tab (the branch icon on the left).
  3. Click Initialize Repository.

This will create a hidden .git folder inside your project, turning it into a Git repository.

---

Step 5: Stage and Commit Changes

Once you edit a file, VS Code will highlight changes in the Source Control tab.

• A U (Untracked) symbol means the file is new.
• An M (Modified) symbol means the file has changes.

Staging changes:

Click the + icon next to the file to stage it.

Committing changes:

After staging, type a commit message at the top and click the checkmark ✔️.

Example commit message:

Added login functionality

This saves a snapshot of your work in Git.

---

Step 6: Connect VS Code to GitHub

Most developers store their repositories on GitHub for collaboration.

1. Create a new repository on GitHub.
2. Copy the repository link (HTTPS or SSH).
3. In VS Code terminal, run:

git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo-name.git
git branch -M main
git push -u origin main

Now your local repo is linked to GitHub.

---

Step 7: Pushing and Pulling Changes

• Push changes to GitHub:

git push

or simply use the VS Code Source Control panel and click the “Sync” button.

• Pull changes from GitHub:

git pull

This updates your local repo with the latest version from the remote repository.

---

Step 8: Working with Branches

Branches let you work on new features without disturbing the main code.

Creating a new branch:

git checkout -b feature-branch

Switching branches:

git checkout main

Merging a branch:

git merge feature-branch

VS Code also has a branch menu at the bottom-left corner where you can create, switch, and merge branches visually.

---

Step 9: Resolving Merge Conflicts

Sometimes, when two people edit the same file, Git can’t decide which version to keep. This is called a merge conflict.

VS Code makes conflict resolution easier:

• Conflicting lines are highlighted in the editor.
• You can choose “Accept Current Change” or “Accept Incoming Change” directly.
• Once resolved, stage and commit the file again.

---

Step 10: Using the VS Code GitLens Extension

While VS Code has built-in Git support, extensions can make it even better.

GitLens is one of the most popular extensions. It provides:

• Blame annotations (see who wrote each line of code)
• Rich commit history visualization
• File and branch comparisons

To install:

1. Open Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X).
2. Search for “GitLens”.
3. Install and reload VS Code.

---

Step 11: Using GitHub in VS Code

VS Code also offers a dedicated GitHub extension. With it, you can:

• Clone GitHub repositories directly into VS Code
• Create pull requests without leaving the editor
• Review code and comments inside VS Code

This makes collaboration much smoother for teams.

---

Step 12: Best Practices for Using Git in VS Code

1. Commit often – Small, meaningful commits are easier to track.
2. Write clear messages – Describe what the commit does, not just “update”.
3. Use branches – Don’t work directly on main unless it’s a final version.
4. Sync regularly – Always pull the latest code before starting work.
5. Keep repos clean – Add a .gitignore file to exclude unnecessary files.

Example .gitignore file:

node_modules/
.env
*.log

---

Why Learning Git with VS Code Matters

Mastering Git inside VS Code is not just about using tools; it’s about becoming a professional developer. Teams in the real world collaborate using Git and GitHub daily. If you want to grow in your career, learning how to manage repositories effectively is non-negotiable.

---

Conclusion

Git is the backbone of modern software development, and when combined with Visual Studio Code, it becomes even more powerful. From initializing a repository to pushing changes on GitHub, VS Code provides a smooth workflow for developers of all levels.

If you are new to coding, Git, or VS Code, learning them step by step will give you a solid foundation for your career.

And here’s the good news: The Skills Booster in Zirakpur helps students and professionals learn full coding, GitHub, and Visual Studio Code in a practical and job-oriented way. With hands-on training and expert guidance, you’ll not only understand how Git works but also gain confidence in managing real-world projects.

📞 Ready to boost your skills? Join The Skills Booster today and take your coding journey to the next level.