Essential Git Commands Every Developer Should Know

Git is vital for software development, enabling version control and collaboration. Here are essential Git commands every developer should know to improve productivity and workflow.

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1. git init

Initializes a new Git repository in the current directory.

git init

2. git clone

Clones an existing repository from a remote server to your local machine.

git clone <repository_url>

3. git add

Adds changes in the working directory to the staging area.

git add <file_or_directory>

4. git commit

Records the changes in the staging area to the repository.

git commit -m "Commit message"

5. git status

Displays the state of the working directory and staging area.

git status

6. git push

Uploads local repository content to a remote repository.

git push <remote_name> <branch_name>

7. git pull

Fetches and integrates changes from a remote repository to the local repository.

git pull <remote_name> <branch_name>

8. git branch

Lists, creates, or deletes branches.

• List branches:

git branch

• Create a new branch:

git branch <branch_name>

• Delete a branch:

git branch -d <branch_name>

9. git checkout

Switches branches or restores working directory files.

• Switch branches:

git checkout <branch_name>

• Restore files:

git checkout -- <file_name>

10. git merge

Merges changes from one branch into another.

git merge <branch_name>

11. git log

Displays a log of commits.

git log

12. git reset

Resets the current branch to a specific state.

• Soft reset:

git reset --soft <commit>

• Hard reset:

git reset --hard <commit>

13. git stash

Temporarily saves changes in the working directory.

git stash

14. git remote

Manages tracked repositories.

• List remotes:

git remote -v

• Add remote:

git remote add <name> <url>

15. git fetch

Downloads objects and refs from another repository.

git fetch <remote_name>

16. git diff

Shows changes between commits, commit and working tree, etc.

git diff

17. git rebase

Reapplies commits on top of another base tip.

git rebase <branch_name>

18. git tag

Creates, lists, deletes, or verifies tags.

• List tags:

git tag

• Create a tag:

git tag <tag_name>

19. git config

Gets and sets repository or global options.

git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

20. git blame

Shows what revision and author last modified each line of a file.

git blame <file_name>

Understanding and utilizing these essential Git commands can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and ensure efficient version control. Happy coding!