Useful Git commands for beginners

Git is a powerful tool for version control, enabling developers to track changes, collaborate efficiently, and manage project history. This guide covers how to use Git effectively along with the most commonly used Git commands.

1. Installing Git

macOS (via Homebrew)

brew install git

Linux (Debian-based)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install git

Windows

Download and install Git from git-scm.com.

2. Configuring Git

Set up your Git username and email:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"

git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

3. Initializing and Cloning Repositories

Initialize a new repository

cd /path/to/your/project

git init

Clone an existing repository

git clone https://github.com/username/repository.git

4. Working with Changes

Check status of changes

git status

Add changes to staging

git add .

Commit changes

git commit -m "Your commit message"

5. Working with Branches

Create and switch to a new branch

git checkout -b feature-branch

Merge a branch into main

git checkout main

git merge feature-branch

Delete a local branch

git branch -d branch-name

6. Pushing and Pulling Changes

Push changes to a remote repository

git push -u origin main

Pull latest changes from the remote repository

git pull origin main

7. Undoing Changes

Revert last commit (soft reset)

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Undo last commit and discard changes

git reset --hard HEAD~1