Git Essentials: My Go-To Commands for Daily Use

Git is a tool I can’t imagine working without.

Whether I'm playing around with a side project or teaming up on a big app, knowing my way around Git makes all the difference. And it’s not just about the basic committing and pushing.

There are a bunch of other commands that make life so much easier once you’re comfortable using them.

Mastering these commands helps me stay organized, avoid mistakes, and keep my workflow smooth. Let me walk you through what I use every day, and I hope it helps make your own Git experience a whole lot smoother too.

Daily Workflow Overview

In my usual workflow, I stick to a few trusty Git commands:

• git status – This is like my “check engine light.” It quickly shows what’s going on in my project.
• git add – I stage my changes here, either file by file or all at once. It’s how I prep for my next commit.
• git commit – This is where I lock in my work with a clear message. Future me (and anyone else looking at the code) always appreciates a good, descriptive note.
• git pull – Before pushing, I always pull to make sure I’m in sync with the latest changes from the remote repo. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of headaches.
• git push – This is when my work goes live for the team to see. It’s my final step to share my changes.

Must-Know Git Commands

Beyond the basics, there are a few commands I reach for all the time:

• git clone – This is my starting point when jumping into an existing project. It brings the whole repo down to my local machine.
• git log – If I need to check out my project’s history, this is my go-to. It’s like flipping through a timeline of commits.
• git diff – Before I commit, I run this to review what’s changed. Super helpful to double-check everything.
• git branch – Creating and managing branches is second nature with this command.
• git checkout/git switch – Switching between branches is a breeze with these.
• git merge – Once I’m ready to bring my work into the main branch, this is how I do it.
• git fetch – A quick way to check for updates from the remote without merging anything. It keeps me informed.

These are the commands I count on day in and day out. Once you get the hang of them, tackling your projects becomes a lot simpler.

Want to dive deeper and master these commands? Read the full Git Essentials Guide with detailed examples and advanced tips on (link to the full article).