How to Initialize a Git Repository in Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) makes it simple to integrate Git into your development workflow. Whether you’re starting a new project or adding version control to an existing one, initializing a Git repository in VS Code is just a few clicks or commands away.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to initialize a Git repo using the VS Code interface and the built-in terminal.

Table of Contents

🧰 Prerequisites

Visual Studio Code installed
Git installed on your system
A folder or project open in VS Code

✅ Option 1: Initialize Git Using the VS Code Interface

Steps:

Open your project folder in VS Code.
Click on the Source Control icon (left sidebar, or Ctrl+Shift+G / Cmd+Shift+G).
You’ll see a message: “This folder does not contain a Git repository.”
Click the “Initialize Repository” button.
Git is now initialized. You’ll see a list of files ready to be staged under “Changes”.
To commit your code:
- Stage files with the + icon
- Type a commit message
- Click the checkmark (✔️) to commit

✅ Option 2: Initialize Git Using the Terminal

Alternatively, use the built-in terminal in VS Code:

Open the terminal:
- `Ctrl+“ (backtick) on Windows/Linux
- `Cmd+“ on macOS
Run: git init
Git will initialize a new repository in your project folder.
You can now stage, commit, and push as usual.

✅ Optional: Connect to a Remote Repository

To push your local repo to GitHub or any other Git hosting service:

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

Make sure you’ve created the remote repository on GitHub first.

🔍 Tips for Using Git in VS Code

.gitignore: Add a .gitignore file to exclude files from being tracked.
GitLens Extension: Enhance Git capabilities in VS Code with GitLens (for viewing commit history, blame annotations, etc.).
Integrated Diff Viewer: Click a file in Source Control to see diffs before staging.

📝 Summary

Task	Method
Initialize repo (GUI)	Source Control → “Initialize”
Initialize repo (CLI)	`git init` in terminal
Connect to remote	`git remote add origin <URL>`
Commit changes	Stage → Message → Checkmark (✔️)

Initializing a Git repository in VS Code is a quick and intuitive process. Whether you’re working solo or collaborating in a team, adding version control is a vital step toward managing and tracking your code efficiently.