Git/branch

A "branch" is a separate copy (of the files involved in a project) which can be worked on without affecting the original copy.

"Branching" is a concept basic to most version control systems.

Commands

Information:

• git branch lists local branches
• git branch -r lists the remote branches
• git branch -a lists both local and remote branches

Actions:

• git branch <name> creates a new branch called "name", pointing at the current HEAD revision
• git checkout <name> moves HEAD to point to the branch called "name"
  • Note: git checkout -b <name> accomplishes both of the above in a single command
• git branch -d <branch name> to delete a branch
  • Note: must be in a different branch

The basic sequence of events for creating a new branch called "test", updating it, then reverting back to the original branch:

• git branch test - create the branch
• git checkout test - switch to it
• stage whatever changes you want to include in "test"
  • This can include adding any new files you've created for this branch.
• git commit -a -m 'made a change' - commit the change to "test"
• git checkout master - switch back to the main branch (removes new files, restores any you deleted)

Links

Reference

• Official:
  • git-branch - List, create, or delete branches
  • 3.1 Git Branching - Branches in a Nutshell

How To

• 2019-10-07 How To Rename a Local and Remote Git Branch
  • Basically: «git branch -m <new_name>» renames the branch locally and doesn't mess with anything upstream. It's like you just created <new_name> and put stuff in it.
  • Note: if the branch is not in the local repository, then you just need to git fetch it after the git checkout <old_name>.
  • Also: «git branch -c <new_name>» to copy instead of renaming.