Visual Studio Code has a unique feature, it integrates with Git software installed on your computer. The installation process differs between Mac and Windows operating systems, providing tailored instructions for each system.
Key Insights
- Visual Studio Code can integrate with Git software once it is installed on your computer.
- Git installation varies based on the operating system - Windows or Mac.
- For Mac users, the Terminal application is used to check and initiate Git installation.
- If Git is not pre-installed on a Mac, users will be prompted to download and install the Xcode developer tools, which includes Git.
- Windows users must go to git-scm.com/download to start the Git installation process.
- During the Git installation process on Windows, it is recommended to set Visual Studio Code as Git’s default editor.
Learn how to install Git on your computer, with explicit directions tailored to both Mac and Windows operating systems, to enhance the integration of your Visual Studio Code software.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s Git & GitHub training materials and is compatible with updates through 2022. To continue learning web development with hands-on training, check out our coding bootcamps in NYC and live online.
Installing Git
Visual Studio Code integrates with the Git software installed on your computer. So to use Git, you must first install it. Installing Git is different on Mac and Windows, so follow the appropriate instructions below depending on your operating system.
Mac: Download & Install Git
- Go to Applications > Utilities and open Terminal.app.
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In the Terminal window, type the following and press Return:
Git—version
If it tells you a Git version number, you already have Git installed. If you do not have it installed, you’ll be prompted to download and install the Xcode developer tools (which include Git). Proceed with the download/install process until it’s done.
Windows: Download & Install Git
- Open a web browser and go to Git-scm.com/download
- Click the download button.
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Launch the installer you downloaded and:
Most of default options should be find but on the Choosing the default editor used by Git screen choose Use Visual Studio Code as Git’s default editor.
Otherwise just keep clicking Next to go through the installer.