How to Open Two Branches in VSCode
Opening two branches in Visual Studio Code (VSCode) can be a useful feature when you need to compare changes, merge branches, or work on multiple features simultaneously. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will walk you through the steps to open two branches in VSCode efficiently.
Step 1: Clone the Repository
Before you can open two branches in VSCode, you need to ensure that the repository is cloned to your local machine. If you haven’t already cloned the repository, follow these steps:
1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the directory where you want to clone the repository.
3. Run the following command to clone the repository:
“`
git clone
“`
Replace `
Step 2: Open VSCode
Once the repository is cloned, open VSCode by either double-clicking the `.code-workspace` file or running the VSCode application.
Step 3: Open the Repository
When VSCode opens, you will see a list of repositories in the bottom-left corner of the window. Click on the repository you want to work with and VSCode will open the repository in a new window.
Step 4: Switch to the Desired Branch
To open the first branch, click on the branch name in the status bar at the bottom of the VSCode window. This will display a dropdown menu with a list of branches. Select the branch you want to open.
Step 5: Open the Second Branch
To open the second branch, you have a couple of options:
1. Using the Command Palette:
– Press `Ctrl+Shift+P` (or `Cmd+Shift+P` on macOS) to open the Command Palette.
– Type “Switch Branch” and select it.
– Choose the second branch from the list.
2. Using the Side Bar:
– Click on the “Branches” icon in the side bar.
– Right-click on the first branch and select “Open in New Window.”
– Now, right-click on the “Branches” icon again and select the second branch you want to open.
Step 6: Compare Changes
Once both branches are open, you can compare changes between them using the built-in Git features in VSCode. Simply click on the “Compare” button next to each branch name in the status bar to see the differences.
By following these steps, you can easily open two branches in VSCode and work with them side by side. This will help you manage your Git workflow more efficiently and keep your codebase organized.
