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How to Copy GitHub Link to a Code Line Directly from VS Code

Vikas Yadav

• 2 min read

Table of Contents

Sharing specific code lines or functions with team members is a common task. Instead of copying code snippets and explaining where they came from, you can share direct links to the exact lines in your GitHub repository. This makes it easier to share the code with right context.

VS doesn't offer any built-in features to generate GitHub links pointing to specific lines, commits, or branches. But there are several extensions that make it easy to generate these links. One such extension is GitLens.

The instructions mentiond below will work for any IDE based out of vscode - like cusor or windsurf.

Step-by-Step Implementation: Using GitLens Extension

GitLens provides advanced Git integration with line-specific linking. Note: This method requires the GitLens extension to be installed.

Step 1: Install GitLens

  1. Open Extensions panel (Cmd+Shift+X)
  2. Search for "GitLens"
  3. Install the extension by Eric Amodio

GitLens provides several commands for copying remote URLs:

Command Palette Method:

  1. Press Cmd+Shift+P (macOS) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux)
  2. Type and select one of these GitLens commands:
    • GitLens: Copy Remote File URL - Copies URL to the current file
    • GitLens: Copy Remote File URL at Current Line - Copies URL with line number
    • GitLens: Copy Remote File URL at Selection - Copies URL with selected lines

Right-Click Method:

  • Right-click on any line in the editor
  • Select from the GitLens context menu:
    • "Copy Remote File URL"
    • "Copy Remote File URL at Current Line"
    • "Copy Remote File URL at Selection"

Available GitLens Commands:

# Copy file URL (without line number)
GitLens: Copy Remote File URL

# Copy file URL with current line number
GitLens: Copy Remote File URL at Current Line

# Copy file URL with selected line range
GitLens: Copy Remote File URL at Selection

# Open file on remote (browser)
GitLens: Open File on Remote

# Open file on remote at current line
GitLens: Open File on Remote at Current Line

Conclusion

Copying GitHub links to specific code lines directly from VS Code streamlines collaboration and code sharing. The GitLens extension provides advanced features with better customization options.

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