Git commands to begin with

Git Basics and Configuration

Git is a distributed source control repository. For detailed knowledge, visit the official Git website.

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Setting Up Git

Before using Git, you need to set up the basic configuration. This is a one-time task and ensures Git operates correctly for your environment.

Git Configuration Files

Git uses the git config tool to get and set configuration variables. These variables can be stored in three places:

1. /etc/gitconfig file: Applies to all users and repositories on the system. Use the --system flag to access this file.
2. ~/.gitconfig or ~/.config/git/config file: User-specific configurations. Use the --global flag to access this file.
3. Repository-specific config file (.git/config): Specific to the repository you’re working on.

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Configuring Your Identity

Command	Description
git config --global user.name "<UserName>"	Sets a global username for all Git operations.
git config --global user.email <Email_Id>	Sets a global email for all Git commits.

Note: Adding --global ensures these configurations apply system-wide.

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Setting Your Editor

Command	Description
git config --global core.editor <Text_Editor>	Sets the default text editor for Git commit messages.

Note: If not set, Git uses the default editor available on the system.

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Checking Your Settings

Command	Output	Description
git config --list	List of configuration settings	Displays the current Git configuration.

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Getting Help with Git

Command	Output	Description
git help	Git command usage guide	Shows basic Git commands and usage.
git help <command>	Specific command usage	Shows detailed usage of a specific command.

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Git Basic Commands

Initializing a Repository

Command	Description
git init	Initializes a Git repository in an existing directory.
git clone <url> <optional_dir_name>	Clones an existing Git repository to a local directory.

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Managing Remote Repositories

Command	Description
git remote show origin	Displays information about the remote repository.
git remote set-url <remote> <url>	Updates the remote repository URL.

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Recording Changes

Command	Description
git status	Shows the current state of files (staged, unstaged, untracked).
git add --all or git add <file>	Stages all changes or specific files for commit.
git commit -m "<message>"	Commits the staged changes with a message.

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Pushing and Pulling Changes

Command	Description
git pull	Fetches and merges changes from the remote repository.
git push origin <branch>	Pushes committed changes to the specified branch on the remote repository.

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Viewing Changes

Command	Description
git log	Displays detailed information about commits.
git log --oneline	Displays a condensed, single-line view of commits.

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Branching

Command	Description
git checkout -b <branch>	Creates and switches to a new branch.
git checkout master	Switches back to the master branch.
git branch -d <branch>	Deletes the specified branch.

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Tagging

Command	Description
git tag	Lists all tags in the repository.
git tag -a <tag> -m "<message>"	Creates an annotated tag with a message.

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Special Cases

Removing Untracked Files

Command	Description
git clean -f	Removes untracked files.

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Stashing Changes

Command	Description
git stash	Saves the current changes temporarily.
git stash pop	Reapplies the stashed changes.

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Undoing Changes

Command	Description
git reset HEAD <branch>	Resets the staging area while keeping the working directory intact.
git checkout -- <file>	Discards changes in a file (dangerous; use cautiously).

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