Using a version control system has become a crucial part of software development processes. Git is one of the most widely used version control systems that allow developers to track changes in their code and collaborate with their workmates. Meanwhile, Visual Studio, an integrated development environment (IDE), offers an extensive collection of tools for creating, debugging, and deploying software applications. The following article will discuss how developers can utilize Git repositories in Visual Studio.

Step 1: Launch Visual Studio and make a new project.

Step 2: In the Solution Explorer window, click on “Add to Source Control.”

Step 3: A new window will emerge, select “Git,” and click on “Create Git Repository.”

Step 4: Visual Studio will then generate a .gitignore file and a .gitattributes file that overlook files and determine metadata for the repository.

Step 5: Finally, click on “Create” to establish the Git repository.

Step 1: In the Solution Explorer window, right-click on the file you want to add to the Git repository.

Step 2: Select “Add to Source Control” and click on “Git.”

Step 3: Visual Studio will automatically stage the file for commitment.

Step 4: To commit the file, head to the “Team Explorer” window, choose “Changes,” enter a commit message, and click on “Commit.”

Note: Follow the same steps to add multiple files to the Git repository.

Branching allows developers to work on separate features or bug fixes without affecting the primary codebase. Git has made branching easy, especially on Visual Studio.

Step 1: Click on “Branches” in the “Team Explorer” window and then click on “New Branch.”

Step 2: Name the new branch and click on “Create Branch.”

Step 3: Visual Studio will automatically switch to the new branch, allowing you to work on a new function or bug fix.

When it comes to merging changes done to the main codebase, we follow the below steps:

Step 1: Switch back to the primary branch displayed in the “Team Explorer” window.

Step 2: Click on “Merge,” and select the branch you want to merge.

Step 3: Visual Studio will initiate the merging process, and you can commit the changes to the primary codebase.

In summary, the article presented a vital guide on how to use Git repositories in Visual Studio. It highlighted creation of Git repository, adding files to the Git repository, branching, and merging. Leveraging on Git repositories in Visual Studio ensures developers collaborate efficiently and monitor the source code changes.