Compare Two Files in VSCode Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)

Compare Two Files in VSCode – Honestly, if you have ever worked with multiple versions of a file, then you know how frustrating it can be to track changes. So, when I first discovered that Visual Studio Code (VSCode) offers an easy way to compare files, I felt like I had unlocked a secret cheat code. Because of that, I am here to share everything I learned, so you never have to suffer through manual comparisons again.

Comparing Files in VSCode Like a Pro

1. Built-in VSCode Diff Tool (No Extensions Needed!)

Fortunately, VSCode comes with a built-in tool for file comparison. So, here is how you can use it effortlessly:

• First, open both files in Explorer on the left panel.
• Then, right-click one file and select Select for Compare.
• After that, right-click the second file and click Compare with Selected.
• Now, VSCode will display a side-by-side diff view. 🎉

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to skip these steps, then you can use code --diff file1.txt file2.txt in the terminal for an instant comparison.

2. Best Extensions for File Comparison in VSCode

Even though the built-in tool is helpful, sometimes extensions make things even better. So, here are some must-have extensions:

Compare Folders

• Since it allows folder comparison, this is ideal for checking multiple files at once.
• Also, it highlights missing or different files instantly.

Partial Diff

• Because it lets you compare selected text inside or between files, debugging becomes easier.
• Plus, it is perfect for spotting minor code changes.

GitLens

• Given that it tracks file history, you can easily compare Git-based changes.
• For teams working on shared files, this is an absolute lifesaver.

📌 Pro Tip: Since these are available in the Extensions Marketplace (Ctrl+Shift+X), installing them is quick and easy. 😉

Comparing Files in VSCode with Git (The Dev’s Superpower)

Since Git is integrated into VSCode, comparing file versions is effortless. So, let’s go over the best methods:

1. Compare Unstaged vs. Staged Changes

• Open the Source Control tab (Ctrl+Shift+G) because that’s where all Git changes appear.
• Then, click any modified file to instantly see the changes.

2. Compare with Previous Commits

• Since previous commits hold valuable data, right-click a file in the Git panel.
• After that, click Open Changes to see what’s different.

3. Compare Branches in VSCode

• Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for Git: Compare Branches.
• Now, select the two branches you want to compare because VSCode will generate a detailed diff.

💡 Pro Tip: Because GitLens enhances this process, using it makes branch comparisons even smoother.

Advanced File Comparison Techniques

Even though the basic tools work well, sometimes you need something more advanced. So, here are some powerful tricks:

1. Using Terminal Commands

Just run this command in the terminal:

code --diff file1.txt file2.txt

Since this command opens a side-by-side diff immediately, it’s one of the fastest methods.

2. External Diff Tools (Beyond Compare, Meld, WinMerge)

• Because external diff tools offer more customization, many developers prefer them.
• Also, you can configure VSCode to use any of these tools by modifying settings.json.
• If you work with large files, then Beyond Compare is highly recommended.

📌 Pro Tip: Since Meld is free, it’s a great alternative to premium tools.

Customizing Diff View in VSCode

If the default diff view doesn’t suit your style, then changing it is simple:

• Change Side-by-Side View: Enable "editor.diffView" in settings.
• Modify Colors & Themes: Customize "workbench.colorCustomizations" for better visibility.
• Ignore Whitespace Changes: Add this in settings.json:

  "diffEditor.ignoreTrimWhitespace": true

  Because this removes unnecessary differences, comparing code becomes much cleaner.

Common Issues & How to Fix Them

1. “Compare With Selected” Option Missing?

✔ Since VSCode requires files to be in the same workspace, check that first. ✔ If that doesn’t help, then restart VSCode because that solves most issues. 😆

2. VSCode is Slow with Large Files?

✔ Because memory allocation affects performance, increasing it in settings.json can help. ✔ If the slowdown persists, then use an external diff tool for large files. ✔ Closing unused tabs helps too, since too many open files slow down VSCode. 😂

3. Git Comparison Not Working?

✔ If Git isn’t working, then check if your repository is properly initialized. ✔ Running git status in the terminal reveals if untracked files are the problem.

Extra Tips & Tricks to Speed Up Your Workflow

• Compare Unsaved Changes: Since VSCode allows file reversion, use File → Revert File to restore the last saved version.
• Enable Auto-Save: "files.autoSave": "afterDelay" ensures that changes aren’t lost unexpectedly.
• Multi-Cursor Editing for Quick Fixes: Since Alt + Click allows multiple edits at once, it’s a must-know trick!

🚀 Since these small tips can save hours of debugging, using them will make your workflow much smoother!

Also Read: How to Remove Decimal Point in Excel Without Rounding – Easy!

FAQs: Compare Two Files in VSCode

1. Can I compare two files in VSCode without extensions?

Yes! Because VSCode has a built-in tool, right-click one file → Select for Compare, then right-click the second file and select Compare with Selected.

2. How do I compare files in Git using VSCode?

Since Git integration is built-in, use the Source Control tab (Ctrl+Shift+G) to check unstaged changes. Also, right-clicking a file and selecting Open Changes lets you compare previous versions.

3. What’s the best extension for comparing files in VSCode?

Although the best extension depends on your needs, Compare Folders is great for bulk comparison, while GitLens is best for tracking changes in Git.

4. How do I ignore whitespace differences when comparing files?

Since unnecessary whitespace causes confusion, add this to settings.json:

"diffEditor.ignoreTrimWhitespace": true

5. Can I compare files in VSCode from the command line?

Absolutely! Because the terminal allows quick comparisons, just run:

code --diff file1.txt file2.txt

Now that you know all the tricks, comparing files in VSCode will never be a hassle again! 🚀