Git is the backbone of modern version control. While GUIs are nice, mastering the CLI gives you speed and the ability to fix complex “how did I break this?” situations.

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⚙️ Configuration & Setup

Before you start committing, make sure Git knows who you are.

Command Description
git config --global user.name “Name” Set your identifier name globally.
git config --global user.email “email@example.com” Set your identifier email globally.
git init Initialize a new local Git repository in the current folder.
git clone <url> Download an existing repository from a remote source.

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🔄 The Development Lifecycle

This is the core “Edit → Stage → Commit” loop.

  • git status: See which files are modified, staged, or untracked. Run this often.
  • git add <file>: Add a specific file to the staging area.
  • git add .: Add all changed files to the staging area.
  • git commit -m “Message”: Create a snapshot of your staged changes with a descriptive note.
  • git commit --amend: Add changes to the previous commit or fix the last commit message.

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🌿 Branching & Merging

Branches allow you to work on features in isolation without breaking the “main” code.

  • git branch: List all local branches.
  • git checkout -b <branch-name>: Create a new branch and switch to it immediately.
  • git switch <branch-name>: Move from your current branch to another one.
  • git merge <branch-name>: Merge the specified branch into your current branch.
  • git branch -d <branch-name>: Delete a branch that has been merged.

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🌐 Remote Synchronization

Commands for interacting with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.

Command Description
git remote add origin <url> Link your local repo to a remote server.
git pull Fetch changes from the remote and merge them into your current branch.
git push origin <branch> Upload your local commits to the remote repository.
git fetch Download info from the remote without merging it (useful for “checking” updates).

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🛠️ Inspection & Undo

For when things go wrong (or you just need to remember what you did).

  • git log --oneline: Show a condensed history of your commits.
  • git diff: Show exactly what lines changed in your files but haven’t been staged yet.
  • git checkout -- <file>: Discard changes in a specific file and revert it to the last commit state.
  • git reset --soft HEAD~1: “Undo” the last commit but keep your changes in the staging area.
  • git reset --hard HEAD~1: Warning: Completely nukes the last commit and all changes associated with it.
  • git stash: Temporarily “hide” your uncommitted changes so you can switch branches quickly. Use git stash pop to bring them back.

Pro Tip: If you ever get stuck in a “Vim” screen (the scary text editor that opens for commit messages), type :q! and hit Enter to exit without saving, or :wq to save and exit.