How do I connect to my existing Git repository using Visual Studio Code?

  1. Open Visual Studio Code terminal (Ctrl + `)
  2. Write the Git clone command. For example,

    git clone https://github.com/angular/angular-phonecat.git
    
  3. Open the folder you have just cloned (menu FileOpen Folder)

    Enter image description here


Another option is to use the built-in Command Palette, which will walk you right through cloning a Git repository to a new directory.

From Using Version Control in VS Code:

You can clone a Git repository with the Git: Clone command in the Command Palette (Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P, Mac: Command + Shift + P). You will be asked for the URL of the remote repository and the parent directory under which to put the local repository.

At the bottom of Visual Studio Code you'll get status updates to the cloning. Once that's complete an information message will display near the top, allowing you to open the folder that was created.

Note that Visual Studio Code uses your machine's Git installation, and requires 2.0.0 or higher.


  1. Use git clone to clone your repository into a folder (say work). You should see a new subfolder, work/.git.
  2. Open folder work in Visual Studio Code - everything should work fine!

PS: Blow away the temporary folder.