1. Initialize a Git Repository with git init

Every Git-tracked project starts with git init. This command creates a hidden .git directory, setting up version control for your files.

• Initialize a repository in your current folder:

  1
  git init

• Create a new repository in a specific directory:

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  git init project-name
  2
  cd project-name

2. Clone an Existing Repository with git clone

Need to work on an existing project? git clone downloads a remote repository (like GitHub or GitLab) to your local machine.

• Clone a repository:

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  git clone https://github.com/user/repo.git

• Clone into a custom folder:

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  git clone https://github.com/user/repo.git my-folder

3. Check Repository Status with git status

git status shows untracked, modified, and staged files, helping you track changes before committing.

• View detailed status:

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  git status

• Get a shorter summary:

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  git status -s

4. Stage Changes with git add

Before committing, stage your changes with git add to tell Git which files to include.

• Stage a single file:

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  git add file.txt

• Stage all changes:

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  git add .

5. Save Changes with git commit

git commit creates a snapshot of your staged changes. Always write clear commit messages!

• Commit with a message:

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  git commit -m "Fixed login bug"

• Commit all tracked files (skips git add):

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  git commit -am "Quick update"

6. Upload Changes with git push

After committing, git push uploads your changes to a remote repository like GitHub.

• Push to the main branch:

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  git push origin main

• Push a new branch and set tracking:

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  git push -u origin new-feature

7. Update Your Local Repository with git pull

git pull fetches remote changes and merges them into your local branch.

• Pull the latest changes:

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  git pull

• Pull from a specific branch:

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  git pull origin feature-branch

8. Manage Branches with git branch

Branches isolate new features or fixes. Use git branch to create, list, or delete them.

• List all branches:

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  git branch

• Delete a branch:

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  git branch -d old-branch

9. Switch Branches with git checkout

git checkout lets you jump between branches or restore files.

• Switch to a branch:

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  git checkout main

• Create and switch to a new branch:

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  git checkout -b new-feature

10. Merge Branches with git merge

Combine changes from one branch into another using git merge.

• Merge a feature into main:

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  git checkout main
  2
  git merge feature-branch

• Resolve conflicts if they arise.

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