Git Commands Every Developer Should Know

Git is an indispensable tool for modern software development. It helps you track changes, collaborate effectively, and manage your code efficiently. While Git offers a vast array of commands, there are a few essential ones that every developer should master. Let's dive in!

Core Git Commands

git init: This command initializes a new Git repository in your current directory. It's the first step to start using Git for a project.
git clone: This command creates a local copy of a remote repository. It's how you fetch code from platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
git add: This stages changes in your working directory for the next commit. You can add specific files or use git add . to add all changes.
git commit: This saves the staged changes to your local repository. Always include a clear and concise commit message.
git status: This shows the current state of your working directory and staging area. It's helpful for tracking changes and resolving conflicts.
git diff: This shows the differences between commits, files, or the working directory. It's useful for reviewing changes before committing.

Branching and Merging

git branch: This lists all local branches. You can also create new branches with git branch <branch-name>.
git checkout: This switches to a different branch. You can also create and switch to a new branch in one step with git checkout -b <branch-name>.
git merge: This combines changes from one branch into another. It's used to integrate work from different developers.

Remote Repositories

git remote: This manages remote repositories. You can add, remove, or view remote repositories.
git push: This sends local commits to a remote repository.
git pull: This fetches changes from a remote repository and merges them into your local branch.

Additional Useful Commands

git log: This shows the commit history.
git reset: This unstages or uncommits changes. Use with caution!
git revert: This creates a new commit that reverts the changes of a specific commit.
git stash: This saves your changes temporarily without committing them.

Best Practices

Commit frequently: Make small, focused commits with descriptive messages.
Use branches: Create branches for new features or bug fixes to isolate changes.
Stay updated: Regularly pull changes from remote repositories to avoid conflicts.
Write good commit messages: Clearly explain the changes made in each commit.

By mastering these core Git commands and following best practices, you'll significantly improve your development workflow and collaborate more effectively with your team.