How to install Git in Visual Studio Code

Introduction

Installing Git in Visual Studio Code (VSCode) offers a streamlined and efficient development experience. This integration provides powerful version control capabilities, allowing developers to effortlessly track changes, manage branches, and navigate project history within the familiar environment of VSCode.

Beyond efficient version control, Git's collaboration features, especially when coupled with platforms like GitHub or GitLab, enhance teamwork by simplifying conflict resolution and code review processes. Moreover, the direct integration of Git into VSCode creates a cohesive workflow, allowing developers to perform Git operations seamlessly without leaving their code editor.

In essence, the installation of Git in VSCode not only enhances version control but also fosters collaborative and integrated coding practices for a more productive development environment.

Prerequisites

Before installing Git in Visual Studio Code, ensure that Visual Studio Code is already installed on your machine. You can download VSCode here.

If you don't know how to install VSCode, check out the video below.

Windows installation

macOS installation

Install Git on Your Machine

To download Git on your computer, follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the official Git website
  2. On the homepage, you'll find options for different operating systems such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. Select the version that corresponds to your system.
  3. Click on the download link, and it will lead you to the installer for your chosen operating system. Download the installer to your computer.
  4. Once the download is complete, run the installer executable file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  5. During the installation process, you may be prompted to configure settings such as adjusting the PATH environment. The default settings are generally suitable for most users, but you can customize them as needed.

Verify Git Installation

After installation, to verify that Git has been successfully installed, open the command prompt or VSCode integrated terminaland type:

git --version
git config --list

Git Configuration

For users new to Git, it's highly recommended to set up global configurations for their Git identity. In the VSCode integrated terminal, enter the following commands:

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

Basic Git Commands in VSCode

In the world of version control with Git, mastering a few fundamental commands is essential for efficient collaboration and code management within Visual Studio Code's terminal.

  1. To initialize a new Git repository in your project, use the command git init. Simply navigate to your project directory in the VSCode terminal and execute this command.
  2. If you're looking to clone an existing repository, the command git clone followed by the repository URL is your go-to. This retrieves a full copy of the repository onto your local machine.
  3. Once you've made changes to your code and are ready to track them, the sequence git add "filename" stages your modifications for commit.
  4. Following this, the command git commit -m "Your commit message" records your changes.

    5. This two-step process allows you to group related changes together with a descriptive message. These fundamental commands lay the groundwork for a smooth version control workflow, helping you track changes, collaborate seamlessly, and maintain a well-organized project history.

Install gitignore Extension

In the Extensions search bar, type "Git Ignore" and look for an extension called "Git Ignore" by CodeZombie. Install this extension by clicking on the Install button next to it.

Once installed, you'll need to reload or restart VSCode to activate the Git Ignore extension. After the reload, you can create a .gitignore file in your project's root directory by right-clicking and selecting "New File" or using the terminal. Within this file, you can specify files, directories, or patterns that you want Git to ignore.

The Git Ignore extension provides helpful suggestions and auto-completions, making it easier to set up exclusion rules. This step-by-step process ensures a clean and efficient version control system tailored to your project's specific needs.

Happy Coding!