Visual Studio 2015: Mastering Git with WinMerge

In the world of software development, version control systems like Git have become an essential part of our workflow. As developers, we constantly make changes to our codebase, and it's crucial to keep track of these changes. In this article, we'll explore how to push and merge commits using Visual Studio 2015 with WinMerge.

One of the most significant benefits of using Visual Studio 2015 is its ability to integrate seamlessly with Git. As you make changes to your codebase, the Status Bar in Visual Studio lists the latest commits, making it easy to track changes. To compare files, simply select the file from the list of recent files and use the keyboard shortcut Cmd+Shift+P/Ctrl+Shift+P followed by selecting File: Compare Active File With.

Once you've selected the files to compare, WinMerge will open, allowing you to visualize the differences between the two files. From here, you can merge the changes with ease. Simply select the 'Merge' button, and the changes will be merged into the 'master' branch. Visual Studio will then switch back to the 'master' branch, ensuring that your codebase is up-to-date.

In addition to file comparison, ProjectDiff offers a comprehensive folder hierarchy comparison and synchronization feature. This means you can compare and merge entire directory trees with ease, streamlining your development workflow. With Visual Studio 2012 came a new diff/merge experience based on the Visual Studio editor, allowing you to perform file comparisons directly within the IDE.

For those who prefer a standalone tool, Code Compare is a free option that offers advanced features for comparing and merging files and folders. Another benefit of using Visual Studio as your default diff and merge tool is that it integrates seamlessly with the rest of the development environment.

In conclusion, mastering Git with WinMerge in Visual Studio 2015 can significantly improve your productivity and workflow. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to push and merge commits with ease, ensuring that your codebase is always up-to-date.

Visual studio 2015 .git winmerge