Microsoft Team Foundation Server Issue Tracking: Understanding the Azure Repos Extension for Visual Studio Code

The Azure Repos extension for Visual Studio Code is a powerful tool that allows developers to monitor their builds, manage pull requests, and track work items for TFVC or Git source repositories. In this article, we will explore how the extension works and what you need to do to connect to either Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server.

Determining Connection Settings

When using the extension with TFVC, it uses information about the current workspace to determine how to connect to Azure DevOps Services or your Team Foundation Server. This means that if you have an existing repository cloned locally, the extension will automatically detect the connection settings and use them to authenticate with Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server.

Creating a Local Repository

If you don't have a Git repository cloned locally but already have an Azure DevOps Services organization (or a Team Foundation Server instance), you can create a local repository using `git init`. Once you set the 'origin' remote for that local repository, the extension will detect the change to the remote and attempt to contact Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server.

Using Git Repositories

When using the extension with Git repositories, it uses the remote origin of your repository to determine how to connect to Azure DevOps Services or your Team Foundation Server. In most cases, you will need to have a Git repository already cloned locally before proceeding.

Earlier Versions of Team Foundation Server Not Supported

It's worth noting that earlier versions of Team Foundation Server are not supported by the extension. If you're planning on using the extension with Team Foundation Server, you must be running Team Foundation Server 2015 Update 2 (and later).

Connecting to Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server

To connect to either Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server, you'll need to ensure that you have the necessary credentials and settings configured. If you're using Azure DevOps Services, make sure you have an Azure DevOps Services organization set up. If you're using Team Foundation Server, ensure you have a valid connection string.

Monitoring Builds and Managing Pull Requests

Once connected to Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server, the extension allows you to monitor your builds and manage your pull requests and work items for your TFVC or Git source repositories. This makes it easy to track the status of your code changes and collaborate with team members.

Video Walkthrough

If you're new to the Azure Repos extension, a video walkthrough is available that shows many of its features in action. The walkthrough provides a step-by-step guide on how to connect to either Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server and get started with using the extension.

The Azure Repos extension for Visual Studio Code is a powerful tool that provides seamless integration between your local development environment and Azure DevOps Services or Team Foundation Server. By understanding how the extension works and what you need to do to connect, you can start taking advantage of its features and improve your development workflow.

Microsoft team foundation server issue tracking