GIT is a popular version control system used to track changes in developers code, collaborate with others, and manage different versions of a project. We can say in a simple way,

GIT is a tool that helps you to track changes in your code, work with others and return to older versions when needed. This is like a saved system for your project, which has teamwork features.

Why Use Git?

  • Track Changes – GIT saves every version of your code so that you can undo any time.
  • Team Collaboration – More than one people can work on the same project without overwriting each other’s code.
  • Work on Features Separately – Create branches to test new features without affecting the main code.
  • Cloud Backup – Store the code safely on platforms like Github, Gitlab – access it from anywhere.
  • Project History – Keep a clear record of who changed what and when.

Daily Used Git Commands (with Examples)

1. git init

Use: Initialize a new Git repository in your project folder.

cd my-project
git init

🔹 Now .git folder is created — your project is now being tracked by Git.

2. git clone <repo-url>

Use: Copy a remote repository (like GitHub) to your local machine.

git clone https://github.com/user/project.git

🔹 It creates a folder project with all the files and Git history.

3. git status

Use: Show the current state of the working directory and staging area.

git status

🔹 Tells you which files are modified, added, or staged.

4. git add <file> or git add .

Use: Stage changes to be committed.

git add index.html
git add .   # Add all changed files

🔹 Moves files from working directory ➡ staging area

5. git commit -m "message"

Use: Commit (save) the staged changes with a message.

git commit -m "Add login feature"

🔹 Moves files from staging area ➡ Git history (commit)

6. git log

Use: View the history of commits.

git log

🔹 Shows commit IDs, authors, and messages.

7. git branch

Use: List all branches or create a new one.

git branch        # List
git branch feature-login   # Create

8. git checkout <branch>

Use: Switch to a different branch.

git checkout feature-login

🔹 Use git switch <branch> in newer versions.

9. git merge <branch>

Use: Merge another branch into your current branch.

git checkout main
git merge feature-login

🔹 Combines changes — resolve conflicts if needed.

10. git pull

Use: Fetch changes from the remote repo and merge into your local branch.

git pull origin main

🔹 Useful when working in teams — get the latest code.

11. git push

Use: Upload local commits to the remote repository.

git push origin main

🔹 Sends your changes to GitHub or another remote server.

12. git diff

Use: Show changes between working directory and last commit.

git diff

🔹 Helps you review what you’re about to commit.

13. git reset

Use: Undo staged changes.

git reset index.html

🔹 Removes file from staging area (not from disk).

14. git stash

Use: Save changes temporarily without committing.

git stash       # Save
git stash pop   # Restore

🔹 Helpful if you want to switch branches but keep your uncommitted changes.

15. git remote -v

Use: Check which remote repos are linked.

git remote -v

🔹 Usually shows origin pointing to GitHub.

Daily Workflow Example

git clone https://github.com/user/project.git
cd project

# Make some changes
git status
git add .
git commit -m "Fix: update login layout"

git pull origin main     # Always pull before pushing
git push origin main     # Push to GitHub

Bonus Tips

  • Use .gitignore to avoid tracking unwanted files (like .env, node_modules)
  • Use git checkout -b <branch-name> to create and switch to a branch
  • Use git log --oneline for a compact commit view

Popular Git Tools Every Developer Should Know

To make working with Git easier and more visual, many developers use the following tools:

1. GitHub

A cloud-based platform for hosting Git repositories. You can collaborate, review code, manage issues, and store projects.

🔗 https://github.com

2. GitLab

Another Git-based platform like GitHub. It offers powerful DevOps features like CI/CD pipelines, project planning, and code reviews.

🔗 https://gitlab.com

3. Bitbucket

A Git hosting service by Atlassian. Integrates well with Jira and Trello for team/project management.

🔗 https://bitbucket.org

4. Sourcetree

A free desktop app (by Atlassian) for managing Git repositories through a visual interface – no need to remember all commands.

🔗 https://www.sourcetreeapp.com

5. GitKraken

A powerful Git GUI with an intuitive interface, ideal for managing branches, commits, and merges visually.

🔗 https://www.gitkraken.com

6. VS Code Git Integration

Visual Studio Code has built-in Git support. You can stage, commit, push, and pull directly from the editor.

🔗 https://code.visualstudio.com