GitHub – Switch to Another Git Tag

While working in Git, it is common for developers to generate new local tags in order to have reference points for their development. Tags can be used for pointing to important source code files or folders. Additionally, developers can switch from one tag to another by executing the “git switch” or “git checkout” commands.

This blog will discuss the process of switching to another Git tag in the local repository.

How to Switch to Another Git Tag?

To switch to another tag, follow the below-provided instructions:

Move to the particular Git local repository
Create a new local tag
Display the list of all available Git tags
Run the “git switch –detach <new-tag>” or “$ git checkout <tag-name>” commands.

Step 1: Navigate to Particular Repo

First, go to the desired Git local repository by running the “cd” command:

$ cd "C:\Users\nazma\Git"

Step 2: Create New Git Tag

Now, execute the “git tag” command to create a new Git tag:

$ git tag v1.1.2

Here, the “v1.1.2” is the newly created tag name:

Step 3: Verify Created Git Tags

Then, show the list of Git tags by executing the “git tag” command:

$ git tag

It can be seen that the newly created tag exists in the tag list:

Step 4: Switch to Tag

Next, use the provided command and switch to the newly created tag:

$ git switch --detach v1.1.2

As you can see in the below-provided output, the HEAD pointer now moves to the “894cf22” commit SHA-hash. Here, the “–detach” option enables developers to inspect and detach from some other point:

Note: Another way to switch to a tag is by using the “git checkout” command, which is as follows:

$ git checkout v1.1.2

Step 5: Check Git Log History

Lastly, view the log history to ensure the HEAD is pointing into a new position by executing the below-listed command:

$ git log .

As you can see in the below-stated output, the HEAD is pointing to a “v1.1.2” tag, “master” and “dev” branch as well:

That’s all! You have learned how to switch to another Git tag in the local repository.

Conclusion

In Git, switch to another tag first, go to the required local repository and generate a new local tag. Then, display the list of all available Git tags. After that, run the “git switch –detach <new-tag>” command to switch to the newly created tag and enable developers to inspect and detach from another point. Lastly, execute the “git checkout <tag-name>” command. This blog demonstrated the process of switching to another Git tag in the local repository.