12 Most Common Git Commands and Beyond

By /

2025-02-13

1. git init

Purpose: Initializes a new Git repository in your current directory.
Usage: Run `git init` to start tracking your project with Git.

2. git clone

Purpose: Creates a copy of an existing repository on your local machine.
Usage: Run `git clone ` to download a repository.

3. git add

Purpose: Stages changes in your working directory for the next commit.
Usage: Use `git add ` or `git add .` to add all changes.

4. git commit

Purpose: Commits staged changes to the repository with a descriptive message.
Usage: Run `git commit -m “Your message”` to save your changes.

5. git status

Purpose: Shows the status of changes in your working directory.
Usage: `git status` lets you see which files are modified, staged, or untracked.

6. git push

Purpose: Pushes your commits to a remote repository, like GitHub.
Usage: Use `git push origin ` to upload changes.

7. git pull

Purpose: Fetches and merges updates from a remote repository.
Usage: Run `git pull origin ` to sync your local branch.

8. git branch

Purpose: Manages branches within your repository.

Usage: Use `git branch` to list branches or `git branch ` to create a new one.

9. git checkout

Purpose: Switches to a different branch or restores files.
Usage: Run `git checkout ` to switch branches or `git checkout ` to revert a file.

10. git merge

Purpose: Merges one branch into another.

Usage: Use `git merge ` to integrate changes from one branch into the current branch.

11. git log

Purpose: Displays the commit history.

Usage: Run `git log` to see a list of past commits, along with their messages and details.

12. git diff

Purpose: Shows the differences between commits, branches, or your working directory and the last commit.
Usage: Use `git diff` to compare changes and `git diff ` to see differences between two commits.

Extended Git Commands

  • git fetch: Retrieve updates from a remote repository without merging.
  • git rebase: Apply commits on top of another base commit.
  • git reset: Undo changes in the working directory or commit history.
  • git stash: Temporarily save changes for later use.
  • git tag: Mark specific points in history with a tag.
  • git remote: Manage remote repository connections.
  • git show: Show detailed information about a commit.
  • git revert: Create a new commit that undoes a previous commit.
  • git blame: Show who modified each line in a file.
  • git cherry-pick: Apply specific commits from another branch.
  • git rm: Remove files from the working directory and staging area.

What Undercode Say

Git is an indispensable tool for developers, enabling efficient version control and collaboration. Mastering these commands can significantly enhance your workflow. Here are some additional Linux commands and tips to complement your Git usage:

  1. Check Disk Space: Use `df -h` to monitor disk space usage, ensuring your repositories don’t consume excessive storage.
  2. Find Files: Use `find /path -name “filename”` to locate files within your project directories.
  3. Grep for Patterns: Use `grep “pattern” ` to search for specific text within files, useful for debugging or reviewing code.
  4. Tar for Backups: Use `tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /path/to/repo` to create compressed backups of your repositories.
  5. SSH for Remote Access: Use `ssh user@host` to securely access remote servers where your repositories might be hosted.
  6. Cron Jobs for Automation: Schedule regular Git backups or updates using `crontab -e` to automate repetitive tasks.
  7. Alias for Efficiency: Create Git aliases in your `.bashrc` or `.zshrc` file, such as alias gs="git status", to save time.
  8. Network Diagnostics: Use `ping` or `traceroute` to troubleshoot connectivity issues when working with remote repositories.
  9. File Permissions: Use `chmod` and `chown` to manage file permissions, ensuring your Git repositories are secure.
  10. Process Management: Use `ps aux | grep git` to monitor Git processes and ensure they’re running smoothly.

For further reading, explore the official Git documentation at https://git-scm.com/doc and Linux command references at https://linux.die.net/man/.

By integrating these commands into your workflow, you can streamline your development process and maintain robust version control practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, continuous learning and experimentation with Git and Linux commands will empower you to tackle complex projects with confidence.

References:

Hackers Feeds, Undercode AIFeatured Image

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top