Why SnapBack?
You already have Git. You already have VS Code Local History. So why do you need SnapBack?
Short answer: Because they solve different problems, and AI-assisted coding created a new one.
The Real Problem
You’re coding with Copilot, Cursor, or Claude. It’s amazing for productivity. But then this happens:
10:05 AM - AI suggests: "Refactor this authentication flow"
10:06 AM - You accept the suggestion
10:07 AM - TypeScript errors everywhere
10:08 AM - Cmd+Z doesn't work (47 changes in one suggestion)
10:09 AM - Git shows nothing (you haven't committed since 10:00)
10:15 AM - You're manually reverting changes, line by lineThis is the gap SnapBack fills.
SnapBack vs Git
| Scenario | Git | SnapBack |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Intentional checkpoints | The moments between commits |
| Recovery time | Minutes (checkout, conflict resolution) | Seconds (one click) |
| Requires commitment | Yes, manually | No, automatic |
| Detects AI changes | No | Yes (pattern matching) |
| Workflow interruption | High (context switching) | None (backgrounded) |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Good for | ”This feature works" | "Uh, what did Copilot just do?” |
When to Use Git
Git is still your source of truth for:
- Intentional, meaningful checkpoints
- Code review and collaboration
- Deployment and version control
- Long-term project history
Git is not designed for micro-recovery. Asking Git to save you from AI mistakes is like using a version control system as a text editor.
When to Use SnapBack
Use SnapBack for:
- The 5-minute window after you accept an AI suggestion
- Session-based recovery without committing
- Risk mitigation when experimenting with AI refactors
- “I didn’t commit yet” moments
SnapBack doesn’t replace Git. It protects you between commits.
SnapBack vs VS Code Local History
VS Code has a built-in Local History feature. It’s passive, it’s free, and it creates snapshots. Sounds similar to SnapBack. Here’s what’s different:
| Aspect | Local History | SnapBack |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Passive, generic file history | Active, AI-aware snapshots |
| Stores snapshots | Yes, timestamps | Yes, by session + trigger type |
| Knows about AI? | No | Yes (detects AI patterns) |
| Search/browse | By timestamp only | By context (AI-detected, manual, session start) |
| Restoration | File-by-file, manual | One click, entire session or single file |
| Retention policy | Fixed time window | Smart (keeps more around risky moments) |
| Keyboard shortcut | No | ⌘+⇧+Z (or Ctrl+Shift+Z) |
| Session time-travel | No | Yes (restore entire session state) |
Why Local History Isn’t Enough
Local History is event-neutral—it doesn’t understand context. When you’re using AI, timing matters:
10:00 AM - Regular coding (save, save, save)
└─ 3 snapshots in Local History
10:05 AM - AI suggestion accepted
└─ 1 snapshot in Local History (looks like any other save)
10:06 AM - Tests fail
└─ Now you have to hunt through 4 snapshots to find the right one
With SnapBack:
10:05 AM - AI suggestion accepted
└─ Flagged as "AI-detected change" in sidebar
10:06 AM - Click it, restore it. Done.Local History requires you to think like a detective. SnapBack thinks for you.
SnapBack vs Manual Backups
Some developers use workarounds:
- Duplicate files before trying AI suggestions
- Save copies with timestamps
- Git commit before every AI suggestion
These work, but they’re:
- ❌ Manual (easy to forget)
- ❌ Cluttered (your project folder is a mess)
- ❌ Not scalable (impossible across multiple files)
- ❌ Workflow interruption (breaks your flow)
SnapBack automates what manual backups do, without friction.
The Cost of Switching
Switching to SnapBack
Time to install: 30 seconds
Learning curve: ~2 minutes
Disruption: Zero- Install from VS Code Marketplace
- Accept default settings
- Start saving files
- SnapBack captures snapshots automatically
Switching Away From SnapBack
Data: All local, easy to export
Dependencies: Zero (it's passive)
Workflow impact: None (just remove the extension)No lock-in, no vendor dependency. Your code stays yours.
Real-World Scenario
Without SnapBack
You're refactoring a payment component.
Cursor suggests a "optimization."
You accept it.
3 files changed. 87 lines modified.
Tests pass. Ship it.
2 days later: "Why is payment failing for split payments?"
Hunt through Git history. Find the bad commit.
Try to understand what changed in 3 files.
3 hours of debugging.With SnapBack
You're refactoring a payment component.
Cursor suggests an "optimization."
SnapBack captures snapshot.
You accept it.
3 files changed. 87 lines modified.
Tests pass. Ship it.
2 days later: "Why is payment failing for split payments?"
SnapBack sidebar shows: "Oct 15, 10:30 AM - AI-detected change"
Click it. Restore it. Compare side-by-side.
Understand exactly what changed.
15 minutes of debugging.FAQ
No. Snapshots are captured asynchronously after you save. Typical overhead: <50ms. We obsess over keeping this lightweight.
Yes. SnapBack works with any VS Code fork: Cursor, VSCodium, Code Server, etc.
Perfect. Use SnapBack for sub-commit recovery, Git for intentional checkpoints. They complement each other.
Recommended workflow:
- Use SnapBack for: Drafts, experiments, AI suggestions
- Use Git for: Meaningful, tested, ready-to-ship code
Ready to Try It?
You’ve probably spent more time reading this page than it takes to install and try SnapBack.
Install SnapBack Now → – It’s free, takes 30 seconds, and requires no configuration.
Then, when an AI assistant next breaks your code, you’ll be glad you have it.
Next Steps
- Quick Start Guide → – Install and create your first snapshot
- Your First Restore → – Walk through a recovery scenario
- How It Works → – Understand AI detection