Using Git on Command Line

Knowing how to use git in the command line is not necessary but I would recommend using it so you know how Git actually works. Here are some of the basic commands that are used a lot.

Initializing a Local Git Repository

Make sure you are in the folder that you want to initialize the git repository and use this command.

$ git init

Adding the File

This command is important. It moves the file into the staging area and must be done before you commit a file. Here are several ways you can call this.

$ git add <file name>

Committing the File

This command is used to move the file from the staging area to a commit. Where it takes a snapshot of the changes made.

$ git commit -m “commit message”

See the Status of the Working Tree

Lets you know which files are not being tracked and if you have to add or commit any of the files.

$ git status

Creating a Branch

You can create a branch if you want to experiment on a file without making changes to the master branch.

$ git checkout -b <branch name>

$ git branch <branch name>

Switching Between Branches

This is how you switch between branches so you are not making changes in the wrong branch.

$ git checkout <branch name>

Display all Branches

Displays all of the branches in the git repository.

$ git branch

Delete a Branch

This command allows you to delete a branch locally.

$ git branch -d <branch name>

Copying a Branch

Copies a branch to another branch. Make sure you are on the branch you want to copy to. Then use this command.

$ git merge <branch you want to copy from>