Learn Git Commands

Essential Git Commands

Here’s a curated list of essential Git commands to help you manage repositories, branches, commits, and handle advanced workflows. Mastering these commands will provide a solid foundation in Git.

1. Basic Setup & Initialization

• git init: Initializes a new Git repository.


• git clone <repository-url>: Clones an existing repository.


• git config: Configures user details (e.g., username, email).

2. Tracking and Staging Changes

• git add <file>: Stages specific files for commit.


• git add .: Stages all changes in the current directory.


• git status: Displays the current state of the working directory.

3. Committing Changes

• git commit -m "message": Commits staged changes.


• git commit --amend -m "new message": Modifies the last commit.

4. Branching and Merging

• git branch: Lists or creates branches.


• git checkout <branch>: Switches to a different branch.


• git merge <branch>: Merges a branch into the current branch.

5. Working with Remote Repositories

• git remote add origin <repository-url>: Links local repo to remote.


• git push -u origin <branch>: Pushes branch to remote.


• git pull: Fetches and merges changes from remote.

6. Undoing Changes

• git reset <file>: Unstages a staged file.


• git reset --hard <commit>: Resets working directory to a commit.


• git revert <commit>: Creates a commit that undoes a specified commit.

7. Viewing Logs and History

• git log: Shows commit history.


• git log --oneline --graph: Condensed, graphical history.


• git diff: Shows differences in working directory.

8. Tagging

• git tag <tag-name>: Creates a tag for a release.


• git push origin <tag>: Pushes a tag to remote.

9. Stashing Changes

• git stash: Saves and clears changes temporarily.


• git stash pop: Restores the most recent stash.

Mastering these Git commands will help you manage and collaborate on projects with confidence!