Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to track changes in their codebase, collaborate with others, and manage project versions efficiently. This whitepaper provides a comprehensive list of commonly used Git commands, along with explanations and examples to help you get started with Git.
Configuring Git
Before using Git, you need to configure your user information, such as your name and email address. This information will be associated with your commits.
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
Creating a Repository
Git init is used to initialize a new Git repository. It creates a new. git directory in your current directory.
git init
Cloning a Repository
To create a working copy of a local repository, use:
git clone /path/to/repository
For a remote server, use:
git clone username@host:/path/to/repository
Adding Files
To add one or more files to the staging area (index), use:
git add <filename>
git add *
Git add is used to add files to the staging area, preparing them for a commit.
Committing Changes
To commit changes to the head (but not yet to the remote repository), use:
git commit -m "Commit message"
To commit any files, you've added with git add, and also commit any files you've changed since then, use:
git commit -a
Pushing Changes
To send changes to the master branch of your remote repository, use:
git push origin master
Checking Status
To list the files, you've changed and those you still need to add or commit, use:
git status
Git status shows the status of changed files in the working directory and staging area.
Connecting to a Remote Repository
If you haven't connected your local repository to a remote server, add the server to be able to push to it:
git remote add origin <server>
To list all currently configured remote repositories, use:
git remote -v
Working with Branches
To create a new branch and switch to it, use:
git checkout -b <branchname>
To switch from one branch to another, use:
git checkout <branchname>
To list all the branches in your repo and also tell you what branch you're currently in, use:
git branch
To delete a feature branch, use:
git branch -d <branchname>
To push the branch to your remote repository so others can use it, use:
git push origin <branchname>
To push all branches to your remote repository, use:
git push --all origin
To delete a branch on your remote repository, use:
git push origin :<branchname>
Git fetch
Git Fetch is used to download updates from a remote repository, but it does not merge those changes or alter your current working code.
Git stash
Git stash is used to save changes that you want to keep but not commit immediately.
git stash
Git Log
Git log command displays an extensive list of all the commits that have been made to the current repository. The commits are displayed in reverse chronological order (most recent commits first) and provide details like the author of the commit, the date the changes were committed, and a brief summary of the changes.
Git revert
Git revert is used to create a new commit that undoes the changes made in a previous commit.
Updating from the Remote Repository
git pull
Git pull is used to fetch changes from a remote repository and merge them into the current branch.
Conclusion:
This whitepaper covers the essential Git commands that are commonly used in day-to-day development. By mastering these commands, you can efficiently manage your codebase, collaborate with your team, and maintain a clean project history.
For more detailed information and advanced Git commands, refer to the official Git documentation.
Updated Nov 09, 2024
Version 1.0Parvathy_R_Pillai
Microsoft
Joined March 22, 2024
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