How to Create, Switch, and Merge Git Branches in VS Code

Branches let you work on features, fixes, and experiments in isolation without touching the main codebase. VS Code gives you a visual way to create, switch, and merge branches from the Status Bar and Command Palette.

If you are new to Git in VS Code, start with /vscode/how-to-stage-commit-push-and-pull-changes-in-vs-code to learn the commit workflow first.

See your current branch

The current branch name is always visible in the Status Bar, at the bottom-left corner of the window. Select it to open the branch menu, which lists:

• Local branches on your machine
• Remote branches from GitHub or other remotes
• Recently used branches

The Source Control Graph in the Source Control view also shows your branch visually, including how it relates to other branches and the remote.

Create a new branch

VS Code creates the branch and switches to it immediately. The Status Bar updates to show the new branch name. You can also create a branch through the Command Palette: run Git: Create Branch and follow the same prompts.

Switch between branches

Select the branch name in the Status Bar and pick any branch from the list. VS Code checks out that branch and updates your files to match its state.

You can also run Git: Checkout to from the Command Palette for the same result. If you have uncommitted changes that conflict with the target branch, Git blocks the switch. Commit or stash your work first.

Merge a branch

When your feature is complete, merge it back into the main branch.

VS Code merges the branch and shows the result. If the merge succeeds with no conflicts, the changes from the feature branch are now part of the target branch. Push the merged result with Sync Changes.

If there are conflicts, VS Code highlights the conflicting files in the Source Control view under a Merge Changes section. Open any file to resolve conflicts inline or use the 3-way merge editor. Read /vscode/how-to-resolve-git-merge-conflicts-with-the-vs-code-merge-editor for step-by-step guidance.

Publish a branch to GitHub

New branches exist only on your machine until you publish them. In the Source Control view, select the Publish Branch button to push the branch to GitHub and set the upstream. After publishing, the button changes to Sync Changes for normal push and pull.

Rename or delete a branch

To rename the current branch, run Git: Rename Branch from the Command Palette and enter the new name.

To delete a branch, first switch to a different branch (you cannot delete the active one). Then run Git: Delete Branch from the Command Palette and pick the branch to remove. You can also delete the matching remote branch with the Delete Remote Branch action.

Next, use Git: Merge Branch when you are ready, and learn how to handle conflicts if they come up.