Here's a detailed summary of common Git commands, compiled with hands-on examples and descriptions to help you understand and use Git effectively in your development workflow.
Git: Essential Commands and Usage Guide
Git is a powerful version control system used by developers to manage and track changes in their codebase. Below is a compilation of common Git commands along with practical examples and step-by-step descriptions.
1. Initializing a Repository
Command:
git init
Description:
Initializes a new Git repository in the current directory. This creates a .git directory where Git stores all its tracking data.
Example:
mkdir my-project
cd my-project
git init
Explanation:
- Create a new directory for your project.
- Navigate into the directory.
- Initialize a Git repository in this directory.
2. Cloning a Repository
Command:
git clone <repository_url>
Description:
Creates a copy of an existing Git repository. This command clones the repository from a remote server to your local machine.
Example:
git clone https://github.com/user/repo.git
Explanation:
- Provide the URL of the remote repository.
- Git copies all the files and commits from the remote repository to your local machine.
3. Checking Repository Status
Command:
git status
Description:
Displays the state of the working directory and staging area. It shows changes that have been staged, changes that are not staged, and files that are not being tracked.
Example:
git status
Explanation:
- Run the command to see which files have been modified, added, or deleted.
4. Adding Changes to Staging Area
Command:
git add <file>
Description:
Adds changes in the specified file to the staging area. This prepares the file for the next commit.
Example:
git add index.php
Explanation:
- Use this command to stage changes in
index.phpfor committing.
To add all changes:
git add .
5. Committing Changes
Command:
git commit -m "Commit message"
Description:
Records the changes made to the files in the repository along with a commit message describing the changes.
Example:
git commit -m "Add user login functionality"
Explanation:
- Stage the changes first.
- Commit the staged changes with a descriptive message.
6. Viewing Commit History
Command:
git log
Description:
Shows the commit history of the repository, including commit IDs, author names, dates, and commit messages.
Example:
git log
Explanation:
- Run this command to review the history of commits made to the repository.
7. Creating a New Branch
Command:
git branch <branch_name>
Description:
Creates a new branch in the repository. Branches allow you to work on different features or bug fixes simultaneously.
Example:
git branch feature-branch
Explanation:
- Create a new branch called
feature-branch.
8. Switching Branches
Command:
git checkout <branch_name>
Description:
Switches to the specified branch. This command updates your working directory to reflect the state of the branch you switch to.
Example:
git checkout feature-branch
Explanation:
- Switch to the
feature-branchto work on it.
Note: In Git versions 2.23 and later, you can use:
git switch <branch_name>
9. Merging Branches
Command:
git merge <branch_name>
Description:
Merges the specified branch into the current branch. This integrates changes from one branch into another.
Example:
git checkout main
git merge feature-branch
Explanation:
- Switch to the branch you want to merge changes into (e.g.,
main). - Merge the changes from
feature-branchintomain.
10. Pushing Changes to Remote Repository
Command:
git push origin <branch_name>
Description:
Uploads the local branch and its commits to the remote repository.
Example:
git push origin feature-branch
Explanation:
- Push the
feature-branchto the remote repository.
11. Pulling Changes from Remote Repository
Command:
git pull
Description:
Fetches and integrates changes from the remote repository into your current branch.
Example:
git pull
Explanation:
- Update your local branch with changes from the remote repository.
12. Removing Files from Staging Area
Command:
git reset <file>
Description:
Unstages the specified file, but keeps the changes in the working directory.
Example:
git reset index.php
Explanation:
- Unstage
index.phpif it was added to the staging area but you don't want to commit it yet.
13. Deleting a Branch
Command:
git branch -d <branch_name>
Description:
Deletes the specified branch from the local repository. Use -D to force delete.
Example:
git branch -d feature-branch
Explanation:
- Delete
feature-branchafter it has been merged or is no longer needed.
14. Stashing Changes
Command:
git stash
Description:
Temporarily saves changes in a stash so you can work on something else. Apply the stash later with git stash apply.
Example:
git stash
Explanation:
- Save your changes temporarily if you need to switch tasks.
15. Viewing Stash List
Command:
git stash list
Description:
Displays a list of all stashed changes.
Example:
git stash list
Explanation:
- Check the list of stashed changes to decide which to apply or drop.
16. Applying Stashed Changes
Command:
git stash apply
Description:
Applies the most recent stash to your working directory.
Example:
git stash apply
Explanation:
- Retrieve your stashed changes and apply them back to your working directory.
17. Removing a Stash
Command:
git stash drop
Description:
Removes a specific stash from the list of stashed changes.
Example:
git stash drop stash@{0}
Explanation:
- Remove the specified stash from the stash list.
18. Reverting a Commit
Command:
git revert <commit_id>
Description:
Creates a new commit that undoes the changes from a specified commit.
Example:
git revert a1b2c3d
Explanation:
- Create a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by
a1b2c3d.
Conclusion
Understanding and using these common Git commands will help you manage your codebase effectively and collaborate efficiently with others. This guide provides a solid foundation for working with Git in your development projects. Feel free to adapt and expand these commands based on your specific workflow and requirements.
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