Built-in Commands | Visual Studio Code Extension API

This document lists a subset of Visual Studio Code commands that you might use with vscode.commands.executeCommand API. Read the Commands guide for how to use the commands API. The following is a sample of how to open a new folder in VS Code:

Using Git source control in VS Code

This uses the --diff option that can be passed to VS Code to compare two files side by side. The merge tool will be used the next time Git discovers a merge conflict.

Version control in VS Code

Learn how to use Git version control basics in Visual Studio Code.

July 2023 (version 1.81) - Visual Studio Code

We have completed the roll-out of the new diff algorithm, which is now the default in VS Code. You can read about some of the algorithm improvements in past release notes.

Source Control API | Visual Studio Code Extension API

The command will be passed as arguments the URI of the document, the array of changes within it, and the index of the change which the inline change diff editor is currently focused on.

Testing API | Visual Studio Code Extension API

Users can execute tests in the Test Explorer view, from decorations, and inside commands. With these new APIs, Visual Studio Code supports richer displays of outputs and diffs than was previously possible. Note: The Testing API is available in VS Code version 1.59 and higher. There are two test providers maintained by the VS Code team:

May 2016 (version 1.2) - Visual Studio Code

When a language service isn't able to compute semantic completion (suggestions), VS Code defaults to word based completions. This is why for some languages you see an IntelliSense list with every word in the file.

October 2022 (version 1.73) - Visual Studio Code

When the base view is opened, a diff is shown between the currently focused side and base. This diff view can be used to better understand the changes in Incoming and Current.

March 2025 (version 1.99) - Visual Studio Code

Use the diff toolbars to iterate through and review each AI edit across cells. Undo AI edits When focused on a cell container, the Undo command reverts the full set of AI changes at the notebook level. Text and image output support in chat You can now add notebook cell outputs, such as text, errors, and images, directly to chat as context.

Visual Studio Code tips and tricks

From the Source Control view, select a file to open the diff editor. Alternatively, select the Open Changes button in the top right corner to diff the current open file.