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Janko
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Automating Git Workflow in VS Code: AI Commit & Sync with One Shortcut

#vscode #productivity #ai #commit

Automating Git Workflow in VS Code: AI Commit & Sync with One Shortcut

Manually staging files, waiting for AI to generate a commit message, and then pushing can be tedious. While extensions like GitLens Pro offer this, you can achieve the same "one-click" workflow for free using GitHub Copilot and the Multi-command extension.

Prerequisites

To use this automation, ensure you have the following installed:

  • GitHub Copilot (for AI message generation)
  • Multi-command (by ryuta46)

Step 1: Define the Command Sequence

We need to chain the commands with a specific delay to allow the AI enough time to generate the message before the commit command fires.

  1. Open VS Code Settings (JSON): Ctrl+Shift+P -> Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON).
  2. Add the following configuration to your settings: 
"multiCommand.commands": [
    {
        "command": "multiCommand.aiCommitFlow",
        "sequence": [
            "git.stageAll",
            "github.copilot.git.generateCommitMessage",
            {
                "command": "extension.multiCommand.execute",
                "args": { "interval": 5000 } 
            },
            "git.commitStaged"
        ]
    }
]
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Note: The interval: 5000 (5 seconds) is a safety buffer for the AI. You can decrease it to 3000 if your Copilot responds faster.

Step 2: Map the Keyboard Shortcut

Now, bind this sequence to a single hotkey.

  1. Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON): Ctrl+Shift+P -> Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts (JSON).
  2. Add this binding: 
{
    "key": "ctrl+alt+g",
    "command": "multiCommand.aiCommitFlow",
    "when": "config.git.enabled"
}
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Step 3: Streamline the UI (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure the process runs without interruptions (pop-up dialogs), adjust these settings in VS Code (Ctrl+,):

  • Git: Confirm No Stage Confirmation: Disable (uncheck) to skip the "Do you want to stage all files?" prompt.
  • Git: Confirm Sync: Disable (uncheck) to skip the confirmation when pushing to the remote.

How It Works

Once configured, simply press Ctrl + Alt + G. VS Code will:

  1. Stage all your current changes.
  2. Call GitHub Copilot to write a commit message based on your diff.
  3. Wait for 5 seconds to ensure the text is populated.
  4. Commit the changes.

This setup transforms a 5-step manual process into a single, seamless action.

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