VS Code Workflow

Versions and Backups

Learn to save recoverable copies before broad edits and recover from mistakes in this beginner-friendly Visual Studio Code lesson.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how to save recoverable copies before broad edits.
  • Complete the guided activity safely.
  • Check that you can recover from mistakes.

Before you begin

Use a non-sensitive practice folder, inspect unfamiliar code before trusting it, and never place passwords, tokens or private information in project files.

Open official guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open the intended practice workspace in Visual Studio Code and confirm its folder name and Workspace Trust state.
  2. Create a dated project copy and restore plan.
  3. Save the relevant files and review the Problems panel, terminal, Source Control view or browser preview as appropriate.
  4. Check filenames, relative paths, console messages, keyboard use, mobile layout and privacy before continuing.
  5. Confirm that you can recover from mistakes, then create a clear commit, backup or saved checkpoint.
Ian's practical tip: Work in one named project folder, preview after small changes, read the actual error message and keep a recoverable version before broad edits.

Practical activity

Create a dated project copy and restore plan. The expected result is to recover from mistakes.

Completion checklist