Basic Git Commands
To use Git, developers use specific commands to copy, create, change, and combine code. Some of the most important and most used commands in git are:
git init
: Initializes a brand new Git repository and begins tracking an existing directory. It adds a hidden subfolder within the existing directory that houses the internal data structure required for version control.git clone
: Creates a local copy of a project that already exists remotely. The clone includes all the project’s files, history, and branches.git add
: Snapshots the file in preparation for versioning, adding it to the staging area.git commit
: Records file snapshots permanently in version history.git status
: Shows the status of changes as untracked, modified, or staged.git branch
: Shows the branches being worked on locally.git checkout
: Switches to the specified branch and updates the working directory.git merge
: Merges lines of development together. This command is typically used to combine changes made on two distinct branches.git pull
: Updates the local line of development with updates from its remote counterpart. Developers use this command if a teammate has made commits to a branch on a remote, and they would like to reflect those changes in their local environment.git push
: Updates the remote repository with any commits made locally to a branch.git remote -v
: Show the associated remote repositories and their stored name.git tag
: Tag specific points in a repository’s history.