The git checkout command is used to switch between branches in a repository. It’s a versatile tool that also allows you to create and switch to a new branch in one step.
Initial Example
To switch to an existing branch, use:
git checkout <branch_name>
CHECKOUT Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
-b <branch> | Create and switch to a new branch. |
-B <branch> | Create and switch to a new branch, or reset it if it already exists. |
<branch> | Switch to the specified branch. |
<commit> | Switch to the specified commit, entering a “detached HEAD” state. |
-l, --detach | Switch to the specified commit, even if it’s a branch, resulting in a “detached HEAD” state. |
-t, --track | Set up tracking configuration for a new branch created with -b. |
--no-track | Do not set up tracking configuration for a new branch created with -b. |
-d <path> | Create and switch to a branch named after the directory at . |
-m, --merge | Perform a three-way merge between the current branch, the specified branch, and the upstream branch. |
-f, --force | Force switch branches, even if the index or working directory has uncommitted changes. |
--orphan <new_branch> | Create a new branch without any commit history. |
-p, --patch | Select changes interactively before switching. |
--pathspec-from-file <file> | Read pathspec from the specified file instead of the command-line arguments. |
--ignore-other-worktrees | Ignore other worktrees when switching branches. |
--conflict <style> | Specify conflict resolution style when performing a three-way merge. |
--recurse-submodules | Checkout the specified commit in all submodules when switching branches. |
-s <strategy>, --strategy <strategy> | Use the specified merge strategy when performing a three-way merge. |
Examples
1. Switching to Another Branch
To switch to a branch named feature-branch, use:
git checkout feature-branch
This moves you to the specified branch and updates the working directory to match.
2. Creating and Switching to a New Branch
To create a new branch and switch to it in one command, use:
git checkout -b new-branch
This creates a branch named new-branch and switches to it immediately.
3. Switching to a Commit or Tag
You can also use git checkout to switch to a specific commit or tag:
git checkout <commit_hash>
or
git checkout <tag_name>
This places you in a “detached HEAD” state, where you can view the state of the repository at that specific commit or tag.