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ABU SAID
ABU SAID

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🚀 Git Cheatsheet for Developers — From Basics to Advanced

#motivation #career #goodjob #git

Introduction to Git

Git is the most popular version control system used by developers to track code changes, collaborate efficiently, and manage project history with confidence. Whether you're working solo or as part of a large engineering team, Git has become an essential tool in modern software development.

However, mastering Git can feel overwhelming at first — especially with its wide range of commands and workflows.

That’s why this Git Cheatsheet breaks down both essential and advanced Git commands in a clear, practical way. From creating repositories to branching strategies, stashing work, and rewriting history — this guide will help you work faster, cleaner, and smarter with Git.

Perfect for:
✅ Beginners learning Git
✅ Developers refreshing their skills
✅ Pros optimizing daily workflow

📌 Basic Git Commands

🔧 Initialize a Repository

Create a new Git repo in your current folder:

git init
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This adds a hidden .git folder that tracks your project history.

📥 Clone a Repository

Copy an existing repo to your local machine:

git clone <repository-url>
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📦 Stage Changes

Add specific files:

git add <file>
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Add everything:

git add .
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💾 Commit Changes

Save staged changes with a message:

git commit -m "Your message here"
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Pro tip: write clear, meaningful messages.

📊 Check Repository Status 

git status
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Shows modified, staged, and untracked files.

🔍 View Differences

Working directory vs staged:

git diff
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Staged vs last commit:

git diff --cached
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🌿 Branching & Merging

Create branch:

git branch <branch-name>
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Switch branch:

git checkout <branch-name>
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Create + switch:

git checkout -b <branch-name>
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Merge:

git merge <branch-name>
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🚀 Push Changes 

git push <remote> <branch>
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📥 Pull Updates 

git pull <remote> <branch>
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📜 View Commit History 

git log
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⚙️ Advanced Git Commands

↩️ Revert a Commit (Safe Undo) 

git revert <commit-hash>
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Creates a new commit that undoes changes.

🧹 Reset Commits (Rewrite History)

Soft (keep staged):

git reset --soft HEAD~1
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Mixed (unstage):

git reset --mixed HEAD~1
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Hard (delete everything):

git reset --hard HEAD~1
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⚠️ Use --hard carefully.

🔁 Rebase Branches 

git rebase <branch-name>
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Moves your commits on top of another branch — keeps history clean.

📦 Stash Work Temporarily

Save changes:

git stash
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Restore:

git stash apply
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🍒 Cherry-Pick a Commit 

git cherry-pick <commit-hash>
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Apply one specific commit to another branch.

🪝 Git Hooks

Automate actions before/after Git events.

Location:

.git/hooks/
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Examples:

  • pre-commit
  • post-merge

Use them for formatting, tests, or validations.

⚡ Git Aliases (Speed Mode)

Create shortcuts:

git config --global alias.co checkout
git config --global alias.cm commit
git config --global alias.br branch
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Now you can type:

git co main
git cm -m "msg"
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🔄 Popular Git Workflows

✅ Centralized Workflow

Single main branch — simple but limited.

🌱 Feature Branch Workflow

Each feature gets its own branch (most common).

🚦 Gitflow Workflow

Structured branches:

  • main
  • develop
  • feature/*
  • release/*

Great for large teams and releases.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Git isn’t just a tool — it’s a core developer skill.

Once you master:
✔ Version control
✔ Branching strategies
✔ Clean history
✔ Collaboration

Your productivity skyrockets.

Use this cheatsheet as a quick reference — and over time, Git will feel natural instead of confusing.

🔗 Let’s Connect

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abu-said-bd/
💻 GitHub: https://github.com/said7388

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