Git is a powerful version control tool that plays a crucial role in modern software development. Familiarizing yourself with essential Git commands is fundamental to effectively manage your source code and collaborate with other developers. In this guide, we will explore all the Git commands you need to know to become an expert.
Contents:
1. git init
The first step in versioning your project with Git. This command initializes a new Git repository in your directory.
git init
2. git clone
Use this command to create a local copy of an existing Git repository.
git clone <repository_URL>
3. git add
Add changes to your upcoming commit. You can specify individual files or use git add . to add all modified files.
git add <file_name>
4. git commit
Record changes in your repository with a descriptive message.
git commit -m "Commit message"
5. git pull
Update your local repository with changes from the remote repository.
git pull
6. git push
Send your local changes to the remote repository.
git push
7. git branch
List all branches in your repository and show the currently checked-out branch.
git branch
8. git checkout
Switch between branches or create a new branch.
git checkout <branch_name>
9. git merge
Combine changes from one branch into another.
git merge <branch_name>
10. git log
View the commit history of the repository.
```bash
git log
```
11. git stash
Temporarily stash uncommitted changes.
```bash
git stash
```
12. git reset
Undo changes in the repository.
```bash
git reset <commit_hash>
```
13. git remote
List configured remote repositories.
```bash
git remote -v
```
14. git fetch
Download information from the remote repository but do not automatically merge.
```bash
git fetch
```
15. git rebase
Rearrange commits for a cleaner timeline.
```bash
git rebase <branch_name>
```
16. git tag
Mark commits for specific versions of your project.
```bash
git tag <tag_name>
```
17. git status
Check the current state of your repository, including modified and untracked files.
```shell
git status
```
18. git diff
Display the differences between files in your working directory and the staging area.
```shell
git diff
```
19. git remote add
Add a new remote repository to your Git configuration.
```shell
git remote add <remote_name> <remote_URL>
```
20. git remote remove
Remove a remote repository from your Git configuration.
```shell
git remote remove <remote_name>
```
21. git fetch
Update remote repository information and download changes but do not automatically merge.
```shell
git fetch
```
22 git rebase -i
Perform an interactive rebase to rearrange, edit, or merge commits.
```shell
git rebase -i <commit_hash>
```
23. git cherry-pick
Apply a specific commit from one branch to another.
```shell
git cherry-pick <commit_hash>
```
24. git log --graph
Visualize the commit history graphically, showing branches.
```shell
git log --graph
```
25. git clean
Remove untracked files from the working directory.
```shell
git clean -n # Show files to be removed (dry run mode)
git clean -f # Remove untracked files (with caution!)
```
26. git submodule
Manage Git submodules within your main repository.
```shell
git submodule add <submodule_URL> <local_path>
```
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Git commands that are essential for any developer. As you advance in your Git journey, you can explore more advanced commands and branching strategies. However, with these basic commands, you are ready to start effectively managing your source code.
Remember that consistent practice is the key to mastering Git. So, start experimenting with these commands in your own projects and see how they can enhance your efficiency in software development.
Top comments (8)
I like it. Thanks so much
Welcome
git --help...Very accurate in the sense that I used most of this in my day to day life. Also for a very large codebase you might want to learn
git gc. I ended up using it sometimes.Nice post, could you sharing more about cherry pick and merge/rebase. It would be awesome thank you
I think git fetch is mentioned two times 14 and 21. Other than that it's great article.
Thanks for sharing
That's really helpful, I like it