Microsoft/vscode

Git - Use `git mv` when moving and renaming files

Open

#273757 opened on Oct 28, 2025

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 (1 comment) (0 reactions) (1 assignee)TypeScript (74,848 stars) (10,221 forks)batch import
feature-requestgithelp wanted

Description

Currently moving and renaming files through the vscode explorer results in git detecting it as a file removal and file addition, even though git has the git mv command which keeps the history of the file.

So it would be nice if renaming and moving a file through the vscode explorer uses git mv when used in a workspace with a git repository.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
typescript
Domain
frontenddeveloper experience
Issue type
feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
blocked
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
TypeScriptGitVS Code extension development
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
25
Research direction
The issue is assigned, so coordinate with the assignee. Investigate how file moves are handled in the VS Code git extension, especially the 'git.rename' command. Look at the Explorer's file move handler in the main VS Code repository for potential integration points.