for when i forget how to use GIT Quick Setup & Commands Cheat Sheet (Linux, Mac & Windows)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared at your terminal, completely blanking on basic Git commands. 😅

Whether you’re switching devices, reinstalling your OS, or just need a refresher, forgetting Git workflows is painfully relatable. After many frantic Google searches, I’ve compiled a survival guide for setting up Git and jogging your memory—complete with cross-platform tips and cheat sheets.

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1. "Wait, How Do I Install Git Again?"

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu):

sudo apt update && sudo apt install git -y  

Linux (Fedora):

sudo dnf install git  

Mac:

• Via Homebrew (recommended):

  brew install git  

• Or use Xcode CLI Tools:

  xcode-select --install  

Windows:

1. Download the official installer: git-scm.com
2. Run the .exe and follow prompts (check "Git Bash" for terminal access).

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1. "I Forgot How to Configure Git!" Set your identity (do this once per machine):

git config --global user.name "Your Name"  
git config --global user.email "[e-mail]"  

💡 Pro Tip: Use --global for system-wide settings or --local per-project.

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1. "What’s the Command for…?" – Cheat Sheet

   Scenario	Command
   Start a new repo	git init
   Clone a repo	git clone https://github.com/user/repo.git
   Check status	git status
   Stage all changes	git add . (or git add filename)
   Commit changes	git commit -m "Your message here"
   Push to remote	git push origin main (or branch name)
   Pull latest changes	git pull
   Create a new branch	git checkout -b new-branch-name
   Switch branches	git checkout branch-name
   Merge branches	git merge branch-name
   View commit history	git log --oneline --graph
   Undo local changes	git restore filename (or git checkout -- filename)
   Stash changes temporarily	git stash (pop with git stash apply)

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1. "Help! I Still Forget Things!" – Lifeline Resources 📌 Bookmark these for quick access!

• 📖 Official Git Docs: git-scm.com/docs – The ultimate reference.
• 🖥️ Interactive Learning: Learn Git Branching – Master branches visually.
• 📄 Cheat Sheet PDFs: Atlassian’s Git Cheat Sheet.
• 👥 Community Wisdom: Stack Overflow’s Git FAQs.

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1. Pro Tips to Avoid Future Panic
   • Alias Commands: Shorten frequent commands in ~/.gitconfig:

  [alias]  
    st = status  
    cm = commit -m  
    co = checkout  

• Use a GUI: Tools like GitKraken or VS Code’s built-in Git UI.
• Practice Daily: Repetition is key! Try small projects to reinforce muscle memory.

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Final Note:

Forgetting Git is normal—don’t let impostor syndrome win. Bookmark this post, keep those cheat sheets handy, and embrace the command-line chaos. 💻✨

What’s your go-to Git lifesaver? Share below! 👇

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(Featured image idea: A chaotic desk with a laptop, coffee, and a sticky note saying "git push --force? 😬")

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