What are the VS Code Git integration features?

VS Code has built-in powerful Git integration features, providing an intuitive interface and rich commands that make version control operations more efficient and convenient.

Git Integration Basics

Enabling Git Integration

VS Code automatically detects Git repositories and displays the source control icon in the left activity bar.

Source Control View

• Changes area: Shows unstaged changes
• Staged area: Shows staged changes
• Input box: Enter commit messages

Common Git Operations

Viewing Changes

1. Open source control view
2. Click on file to view differences
3. Use side-by-side or inline view

Staging Changes

• Click + next to file to stage single file
• Click + to stage all changes
• Right-click file > Stage Changes

Committing Changes

1. Stage files to commit
2. Enter commit message in input box
3. Press Ctrl+Enter or click commit button

Branch Operations

• Create branch: Click branch name > Create new branch
• Switch branch: Click branch name > select target branch
• Merge branch: Execute merge through command palette
• Delete branch: Right-click branch > Delete Branch

Advanced Git Features

Branch Visualization

• Git Graph extension: Visualize branch history
• Built-in branch graph: View branch relationships

Conflict Resolution

1. Open file with conflicts
2. VS Code marks conflict areas
3. Choose "Accept Current Change" or "Accept Incoming Change"
4. Or manually edit to resolve conflicts
5. Mark as resolved

Stash

• Through command palette: "Git: Stash"
• Stash current changes, switch to other work
• Restore through "Git: Stash Pop"

Rebase

• Through command palette: "Git: Rebase"
• Select branch to rebase onto
• Handle possible conflicts

Git Configuration

User Configuration

json
{
  "git.enableSmartCommit": true,
  "git.autofetch": true,
  "git.confirmSync": false,
  "git.postCommitCommand": "none"
}

Ignore Files

Create .gitignore in project root:

shell
node_modules/
dist/
.env
*.log

Git Configuration File

Configure Git behavior in .vscode/settings.json:

json
{
  "git.ignoreLimitWarning": true,
  "git.path": "/usr/bin/git"
}

Recommended Git Extensions

GitLens

Enhances Git functionality, providing code author information, commit history, etc.

Git Graph

Visualizes Git branch history and commit records.

Git History

View file history and compare different versions.

Common Shortcuts

• Ctrl+Shift+G: Open source control view
• Ctrl+Enter: Commit changes
• Alt+Left/Right Arrow: Navigate in changes
• Ctrl+Shift+P > Git: Access all Git commands

Important Notes

• Ensure Git is properly installed and configured
• Large repositories may affect performance
• Regularly pull remote changes
• Use meaningful commit messages
• Consider using branch protection strategies