Most Used Git Commands

Most Commonly Used Git Commands

Git commands are among the most essential tools in today's software world, used for tracking and managing changes in source code. GitHub, an advanced DevOps tool, allows you to share your code and projects globally. With Git commands, also known as GitHub commands, you can manage your projects and easily track changes.

What is a Git Command?

Git is a modern version control system (VCS) that makes tracking changes in a set of files simple. As a distributed version control system, GitHub enables online access to your repositories. Using Git commands, you can execute version control tasks, list files, and make changes to data.

What Are Git Commands?

Git is a powerful tool with a rich set of commands designed to provide full access to advanced processes and internal components. Its fast, scalable, and distributed system allows you to manipulate remote data and make changes within authorized responsibilities. With Git, multiple developers can work on the same project simultaneously from anywhere in the world. By mastering Git, you can contribute to open-source projects or develop your own, creating an impressive portfolio.

Let’s dive into 20 popular Git commands that will help you along the way:

1. git clone

The git clone command allows you to clone data from any URL. With this command, you can download the current version of a project from a remote repository to your local machine or server. You can clone the entire project or specific branches.

Examples:

git clone [url]
git clone [url] -b [branch_name]

2. git config

The git config command lets you see which user made specific changes. It enables you to configure and optimize your workflow. You can easily set up details like author name and email. Changes made to the project are also traceable, allowing you to track updates and contributors.

Examples:

git config --global user.name "[name]"
git config --global user.email "[email_address]"

3. git init

Use the git init command to start a new project in your local environment. It initializes a repository and creates a .git folder where your project files can be stored.

Examples:

git init [repository_name]

4. git add

The git add command stages your changes, adding files or projects to the repository. You can stage individual files or multiple files simultaneously.

Examples:

git add [file_name]
git add *  # Adds multiple files

5. git commit

The git commit command saves changes to the version history permanently. It works with git add to commit staged changes. You can also include a meaningful commit message.

Examples:

git commit -a
git commit -m "[commit_message]"

6. git branch

This command lists all the local branches in your repository. You can create new branches or delete existing ones.

Examples:

git branch              # Lists all branches
git branch [branch_name]  # Creates a new branch
git branch -d [branch_name]  # Deletes a branch

7. git diff

This command shows differences in unstaged files. It can also compare changes between specific files.

Examples:

git diff
git diff --staged         # Shows changes between the staging area and the last commit
git diff [file1] [file2]  # Compares two files

8. git reset

The git reset command removes files from the staging area without deleting the file's content. It allows you to revert changes without losing data.

Examples:

git reset [file]  # Unstages the file, keeps its content
git reset [commit]  # Reverts to the specified commit, preserving subsequent changes
git reset --hard [commit]  # Clears all changes and resets to the specified commit

9. git rm

The git rm command removes a file from the working directory and stages the deletion.

Example:

git rm [file]

10. git status

This command lists all files that need to be committed, providing their status and whether they’ve been staged.

Example:

git status

11. git log

The git log command displays the commit history of the repository, showing records from the most recent to the oldest.

Examples:

git log
git log --follow [file]  # Shows the history of a specific file, including renames

12. git show

This command displays metadata and content changes for a specific commit.

Example:

git show [commit_hash]

13. git tag

The git tag command labels a specific commit.

Example:

git tag [commitID]

14. git checkout

The git checkout command switches between branches. It also allows you to create new branches and move to them simultaneously.

Examples:

git checkout [branch_name]
git checkout -b [branch_name]  # Creates and switches to a new branch

15. git merge

This command combines the specified branch into the current branch.

Example:

git merge [branch_name]

16. git remote

The git remote command connects your local repository to a remote repository.

Example:

git remote add [remote_name] [repository_url]

17. git push

The git push command uploads your commits to a remote repository.

Examples:

git push [remote_name] master
git push --all [remote_name]  # Pushes all branches
git push [remote_name] :[branch_name]  # Deletes a branch from the remote repository

18. git pull

This command fetches and merges changes from a remote repository to your local working directory.

Example:

git pull [repository_url]

19. git stash

The git stash command temporarily saves unfinished changes.

Examples:

git stash save
git stash pop   # Restores the most recent stash
git stash list  # Lists all stashed changes
git stash drop  # Deletes the most recent stash

20. git rebase

This command rebases commits onto a new base branch.

Example:

git rebase [branch_name]

Benefits of Using Git

• Free and Open-Source: Git is completely free and open-source, allowing you to contribute to projects anytime.
• High Performance: It focuses on file content rather than file names, ensuring faster and more stable performance.
• Top-Level Security: Git secures data with SHA1 cryptographic algorithms.
• Widely Used: Git is highly popular in academia and industries, adopted by many large organizations.

Git has become an indispensable tool for software developers. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or a beginner, mastering Git can significantly enhance your workflow. You can also join Techcareer.net’s free Bootcamp programs to learn Git and boost your skills. After completing the training, you’ll be ready to apply for job openings and take the first step in your software career!

FAQs

What’s the difference between Git and GitHub?

Git is a version control system for tracking changes, while GitHub is a cloud-based hosting service for Git repositories.

Do I need to memorize Git commands?

You don’t need to memorize all commands; knowing the essential ones and referring to documentation when needed is enough.

What advantages does Git offer developers?

Git provides secure, isolated environments for each code change, supports remote access, and simplifies branching for efficient development.

Are Bootcamp trainings free?

Yes, Techcareer.net offers Bootcamp programs completely free of charge.

Can junior candidates apply for job listings?

Absolutely! After completing relevant training, junior developers can confidently apply for job opportunities.