Version Control with Git: Fundamental Commands for Developers

 

Introduction

Git is an essential version control system used by DevOps Training worldwide to track changes, collaborate on projects, and maintain code integrity. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, understanding key Git commands can streamline your workflow and prevent common pitfalls.

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential Git commands every developer should know.

1. Setting Up Git

Before using Git, configure it with your user information:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
 git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

This ensures that all your commits are associated with your identity.

2. Initializing a Repository

To start tracking a new project, initialize a Git repository:

git init

This creates a .git directory, where Git stores all version control data.

3. Cloning a Repository

To work on an existing project, clone a repository:

git clone <repository-url>

This downloads the project and its entire history onto your local machine.

4. Checking Repository Status

To check which files have been modified, added, or deleted, use:

git status

This command helps track your progress before committing changes.

5. Adding Files to Staging Area

To stage specific files for commit:

git add <file-name>

To stage all changes:

git add .

This prepares files for the next commit.

6. Committing Changes

Once files are staged, commit them with a descriptive message:

git commit -m "Your commit message"

This saves changes locally in the Git history.

7. Viewing Commit History

To see a list of previous commits:

git log

For a concise view:

git log --oneline

8. Branching in Git

To create a new branch:

git branch <branch-name>

To switch to another branch:

git checkout <branch-name>

Alternatively, create and switch to a new branch in one command:

git checkout -b <branch-name>

9. Merging Branches

To merge changes from another branch into the current one:

git merge <branch-name>

Resolve conflicts if necessary and commit the merge.

10. Pushing Changes to a Remote Repository

To upload commits to a remote repository:

git push origin <branch-name>

11. Pulling Latest Changes

To fetch and integrate updates from a remote repository:

git pull origin <branch-name>

12. Undoing Changes

To discard unstaged changes in a file:

git checkout -- <file-name>

To reset the staging area:

git reset HEAD <file-name>

To undo the last commit while keeping changes:

git reset --soft HEAD~1

To permanently remove the last commit:

git reset --hard HEAD~1

13. Stashing Changes

If you need to save changes without committing:

git stash

To apply stashed changes:

git stash apply

To remove the stash after applying:

git stash drop

14. Tagging Releases

To create a new tag:

git tag -a v1.0 -m "Version 1.0"

To push tags to the remote repository:

git push origin --tags

Conclusion

Mastering these Git commands will help you efficiently manage your code, collaborate with teammates, and avoid common pitfalls in version control. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, understanding Git is an essential skill in modern software development. Keep practicing and experimenting with Git to unlock its full potential!