10 Git Commands Every Programmer Should Learn

Hello guys, Git is one of the most important skill for programmers, developers and data scientist and if you don't know git then you will struggle working in a team. If you want to learn Git in 2023 then you can start with these essential Git commands. I have explained the command and give you example. For examples, I have asked ChatGPT to see how it explains and I was amazed to see the response so I have included here for my own reference. I don't if ChatGPT will remain free forever but I am taking screenshot for the questions which I am asking so that I can keep a record for myself and you in future as ChatGPT is the best instructor I have got today and its helping me to learn and revise several key concepts. 

For those who are new to Git and Github, Git is a version control system that is essential for any programmer. It allows you to track changes to your code, collaborate with other developers, and manage your projects. 

If you’re not already familiar with Git, now is the time to start learning it. 

In this article, we will introduce you to 10 Git commands that every programmer should learn in 2023. Each command will be explained in detail, so you can understand how to use it and when it’s applicable.

10 Git Commands Every Programmer Should Learn

Git is a powerful version control system that is essential for any programmer. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 Git commands that every programmer should learn in 2023. From creating and managing repositories to adding and committing changes, these commands will help you collaborate with other developers and improve your productivity. 

Whether you’re a beginner just starting out with Git or an experienced programmer looking to expand your skills, these commands are worth learning.

1. git init

The git init command is used to initialize a new Git repository. This is the first command you should run when you start a new project with Git. It creates a .git subdirectory in your project, which stores all the information about your repository, including the history of your changes, including the HEAD file, the objects directory, and the refs directory. 

Here is an example of git init command from a directory myproject

$ cd myproject
$ git init

After running this command you can check that .git directory has been created or not. 

2. git add

The git add command is used to add files to the staging area. When you make changes to your code, you need to tell Git which changes you want to include in the next commit. You do this by using the git add command to add the changed files to the staging area.

Here is an example of git add command:

$ git add file1.txt
$ git commit -m "Initial commit"

3. git commit

The git commit command is used to save your changes to the Git repository. When you run this command, Git will take all the changes that are in the staging area and create a new commit with those changes. Each commit has a unique identifier, called a hash, which allows you to track the changes that were made in that commit.

Here is an example of git commit command:

4. git push

The git push command is used to send your commits to a remote repository, such as GitHub. When you run this command, Git will upload your commits to the remote repository, allowing other developers to access them.

Here is an example of git push command:

5. git pull

The git pull command is used to fetch and merge changes from a remote repository. When you run this command, Git will download any new commits from the remote repository and merge them into your local repository. This is a useful command when you’re working on a team. 

Here is an example of git pull command:

6. git clone

The git clone command is used to create a local copy of a remote repository. When you run this command, Git will download the entire repository, including all the commits and branches, to your local machine. This is a useful command when you want to work on an existing project or contribute to an open-source project.

Here is an example of git clone command:

7. git branch example

The git branch command is used to create, list, and delete branches. Branches are used to develop new features or make changes to your code without affecting the main branch. When you create a new branch, Git creates a copy of the main branch at the current commit, allowing you to make changes without affecting the main branch.

Here is an example of git branch command:

8. git checkout example

The git checkout command is used to switch between branches or restore files to a previous commit. When you run this command with the name of a branch, Git will switch to that branch. When you run it with the hash of a commit, Git will restore the files to the state they were in at that commit.

Here is an example of git checkout command:

9. git merge example

The git merge command is used to merge changes from one branch into another. When you run this command, Git will take the changes from the source branch and apply them to the target branch, creating a new commit in the process. This is a useful command when you want to bring the changes from one branch into the main branch.

Here is an example of git merge command, thanks to chatGPT:

And, if you need code here it is:

10. git stash example

The git stash command is used to save changes temporarily without committing them. When you run this command, Git will take all the changes that are in the staging area and save them in a stash. You can later apply the stash to a branch using the git stash apply command. This is a useful command when you need to switch branches or restore files to a previous commit but don’t want to commit your changes.

Here is an example of git stash command:

Git Frequently Asked Questions for Programmers

Now, let's see a couple of frequently asked questions about Git, Github and different Git commands. If you have a question which is not in this list, feel free to ask in comments.

1.  How do I learn these Git commands?

 There are many resources available for learning Git, including online tutorials, courses, and documentation. The Git documentation is a good place to start, as it provides a comprehensive guide to using Git. You can also find online courses and tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions for using Git. It’s a good idea to practice using these commands on your own projects to get a feel for how they work.

2. Are these Git commands suitable for beginners?

These Git commands are suitable for beginners and are essential for any programmer using Git. They cover the basics of version control, including creating and managing repositories, adding and committing changes, and collaborating with other developers. As you become more comfortable with these commands, you can explore more advanced Git features, such as branching and merging.

3.  Are there any Git commands that are not included in this list?

There are many Git commands that are not included in this list, as it is impossible to cover them all in a single article. Some of the other useful Git commands include git log, which displays the commit history; git diff, which shows the differences between commits; and git reset, which restores files to a previous commit. As you learn Git, it’s a good idea to explore these and other commands to see how they can be used.

Conclusion

That's all about the 10 essential git command examples every programmer should learn in 2023. Git is a powerful version control system that is essential for any programmer. In this article, we introduced you to 10 Git commands that every programmer should learn in 2023. 

From git init and git add to git push and git merge, these commands will help you manage your projects and collaborate with other developers. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out with Git or an experienced programmer looking to improve your skills, these commands are worth learning. 

So if you want to stay up-to-date and improve your productivity as a programmer, consider adding these Git commands to your toolkit.

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Thanks for reading this Git command tutorial for beginner Java programmers, if you like this article and git examples then please share with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback then please drop a note.

P. S. - If you want to learn git in depth then you can always join a comprehensive git course on Udemy or other online platform, if you need suggestions you can checkout this list of best Git courses for beginners. I have shared many hands-on git online courses on that article.