Git Checkout Commands

Overview

The git checkout command is used to switch between branches or restore working tree files. This document covers the basic and advanced usage of git checkout.

Switching Branches

git checkout <branch>

Switches to the specified branch.

git checkout <branch>

Example

git checkout main

This command switches to the main branch.

Creating and Switching to a New Branch

git checkout -b <branch>

Creates a new branch and switches to it.

git checkout -b <branch>

Example

git checkout -b feature-branch

This command creates a new branch named feature-branch and switches to it.

Checking Out a Specific Commit

git checkout <commit>

Switches to a specific commit, putting the repository in a "detached HEAD" state.

git checkout <commit>

Example

git checkout 1a2b3c4d

This command switches to the commit with the hash 1a2b3c4d.

Checking Out a File from a Specific Commit

git checkout <commit> -- <file>

Restores a specific file from a particular commit to the working directory.

git checkout <commit> -- <file>

Example

git checkout 1a2b3c4d -- README.md

This command restores the README.md file from the commit with the hash 1a2b3c4d to the working directory.

Discarding Changes in Working Directory

git checkout -- <file>

Reverts changes in the working directory to match the HEAD commit.

git checkout -- <file>

Example

git checkout -- README.md

This command discards changes in README.md, reverting it to the state of the last commit.

Checking Out a Branch from a Remote Repository

git checkout -b <new-branch> <remote>/<branch>

Creates a new branch tracking a remote branch and switches to it.

git checkout -b <new-branch> <remote>/<branch>

Example

git checkout -b feature-branch origin/feature-branch

This command creates a new branch named feature-branch tracking the origin/feature-branch remote branch and switches to it.

Checking Out a Specific Tag

git checkout tags/<tag>

Switches to a specific tag.

git checkout tags/<tag>

Example

git checkout tags/v1.0.0

This command switches to the v1.0.0 tag.

Undoing a Checkout

git checkout -

Switches back to the previous branch.

git checkout -

Example

git checkout -

This command switches back to the branch you were previously on.

Summary

The git checkout command is versatile and can be used to switch branches, create new branches, check out specific commits, and restore files. It is an essential command for navigating and managing your Git repository. For more detailed information on each command, refer to the official Git documentation.