Git topic
Branching and merging
Learn how to work with branches and merge your changes together.
Look it up and watch it run
From the Animated Git Cheat Sheet
20 commands on this topic, each drawn by git-sim on a small sample repository.
git branch <name>
List all local and remote-tracking branches
git branch -a
List branches with their upstream and ahead/behind counts
git branch -vv
List branches already merged into the active branch
git branch --merged
List branches not yet merged into the active branch
git branch --no-merged
Switch to another branch
git switch <branch>
Switch back to the previous branch
git switch -
Check out a branch from the remote
git switch <branch>
The commands, played on a real repository
Pick a command to watch it happen. Each one shows its risk rating; the ones with a full page link to the before and after, whether it is safe, and how to undo it.
How to use this page
- sliderDrag it to move the graph from before the command to after it.
- ▶ / ❚❚Play or pause the command, start to finish, on a loop.
- Before · AfterJump straight to either end.
- ← → · spaceStep through a multi-step command; space toggles Before / After.
- APlay or pause from the keyboard (the page opens playing). Any manual input takes over.
- hoverA commit shows its message, author, date and parents, with its history highlighted.
- clickCopies the commit sha.
- ctrl + wheelZoom around the cursor (pinch on a trackpad). Double-click resets the view.
- EscStop playback, reset the view, close this menu.
- shareThe Share button copies a link to this graph, copies it as an image, downloads PNG/SVG/page, or posts it. #before, #after or #step=N in the link pins the state.
The Animated Git Cheat SheetFree · Customize it · Download it · Print it
Pick a command to watch it happen on a small sample repository.
gitsafe
Sample repository: . Drag the slider or press play; hover a commit for its details.
Read the full page
Practice it in Level 1
Try it on your own repository: git-sim
Every command plays on the same repository, so they are easy to compare.
No command matches that. Try a shorter word, or another danger level.
- Safe reads or only adds; nothing is lost
- Caution moves or rewrites things; recoverable from the reflog
- Destructive can lose work for good
Watch them in the git-sim viewer
Each demo plays step by step, with the before and after side by side.
git branch <branch>git switch -c <branch>git checkout <branch>git merge <branch>git branch -D <branch>git worktree add <path> <branch>
Every command in one place: the Visual Git command reference.
Learn how it works
Levels on this topic
Watch each command happen, step by step, then pick the right one yourself.
- 7 Level 7 Branch & switch Create a new branch, switch between branches, and watch two storylines split apart.
- 8 Level 8 Merge Merge one branch into another, and learn when Git creates a merge commit versus fast-forwarding.
- 15 Level 15 Detached HEAD Point HEAD at a commit with no branch, understand why it is useful, and get back out safely.
Workflow demos
A few commands in a row, the way you'd use them on a real project.
Related articles
Read more about it: the articles, guides and cheat sheets on this topic.
-
A Comprehensive Guide to Git Merge
Don’t let git merge or merge conflicts intimidate you. Learn all about git merge, fast forward and 3-way merging, git conflicts, and how to merge and handle git conflicts with ease.
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Git Branches | Git List Branches & Other Branch Commands
Learn what Git branches are and how to use branches in Git
-
Checkout Initial Commit
We explain how to check out the initial commit of any open source project using Git. Examining the initial commit is a great way to learn how a program's code works.
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Git Cheat Sheet: 12 Essential Git Commands for Intermediate Users
In this article, we’ll discuss 12 essential Git commands for intermediate users.
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Git cheat sheet: 12 essential Git commands for beginners
In this article, I will explain 12 essential Git commands that are especially important for a beginner.
Every Git article, by topic: Git Articles.
Try it in your own repos
git-sim
See what a command will do to your repo before you run it. It reads the repository and draws the result without changing anything.
git-sim switch -c <branch>git-sim merge <branch>git-sim branch -d <branch>
It can also pre-flight a risky command as you type it, and follow your repo live while you or an AI agent work in it.
git-dummy
Make a throwaway repo shaped for this topic, then practice on it without risking real work.
git-dummy --commits=6 --branches=2 --name practicegit-dummy --scenario merge-conflict --name practice
Then cd practice and run any of the git-sim commands here.
Want to see your repo a whole new way? Devlands turns it into a 3D world you can walk through.