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15 Must-Know Git Commands for Every Developer

15 Must-Know Git Commands for Every Developer (With Explanations)

Whether you're working solo or with a team, Git is an essential tool for modern developers. These commands help manage your codebase effectively and are frequently asked in tech interviews. Below is a curated list of the 15 most useful Git commands every developer should know.

Command Description
git init Initializes a new Git repository in your project directory.
git clone <url> Clones a remote repository to your local machine.
git status Shows the status of changes (staged, unstaged, untracked) in the working directory.
git add <file> Adds changes in the specified file(s) to the staging area.
git commit -m "message" Records the staged changes with a descriptive message.
git pull Fetches and merges changes from the remote repository to your local branch.
git push Sends your local commits to the remote repository.
git branch Lists all branches or creates a new branch when used with a name.
git checkout <branch> Switches to the specified branch and updates the working directory.
git merge <branch> Merges the changes from the specified branch into the current branch.
git log Displays the commit history of the current branch.
git diff Shows differences between working directory and staging/index or between commits.
git stash Temporarily stores uncommitted changes to clean your working directory.
git reset Unstages changes or resets commit history depending on the mode (soft/mixed/hard).
git remote -v Lists all remote repositories associated with your project.

Conclusion

These 15 Git commands form the foundation of version control in software development. They cover everything from starting a project to collaborating with others. As you grow more comfortable with Git, you can explore advanced tools like rebase, cherry-pick, and hooks.

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