Git

How Can I Get the Latest Tag Name in Current Branch in Git?

While working on Git, users create multiple local and remote tags for version release, keeping track of significant changes in the codebase and other purposes. This is also helpful for encountering problems in a specific code version. Sometimes, users may need to get the latest tag in the particular branch to determine the most recent release and make changes if required. For such a corresponding purpose, Git commands are available to get the latest tag in Git.

This write-up will explain how to get the most recent tag name in the current Git branch.

How to Get/Retrieve the Latest Tag Name in the Current Working Branch in Git?

To display the latest tag name in the current Git branch, check out the below-provided steps:

  • Navigate to the local repository.
  • View all available tags of the current branch.
  • Get the latest tag using the “git describe –tags” command.

Step 1: Switch to Local Repository

First, redirect to the desired local repository using the provided command:

$ cd "C:\Git\Repo2"

Step 2: View All Tags

Then, list all the available tags of the current branch:

$ git tag

The below output displays all the tags of the “master” branch:

Step 3: Get Latest Tag Name

Now, show the latest tag name in the current working branch by running the given-below command:

$ git describe --tags

According to the below screenshot, the tag “v9.0” is the latest tag:

Furthermore, the “–abbrev=0” option can also be used with the same command to get the desired output:

$ git describe --abbrev=0 --tags

Moreover, you can also utilize the below-provided command to get the latest tag name in the current branch:

$ git describe --tags $(git rev-list --tags --max-count=1)

We have efficiently explained the methods to show the most recent tag in the current branch.

Conclusion

To get or retrieve the most recent tag name in the current branch, first, redirect to the particular local repository. Then, execute the “git describe –tags” command. Moreover, different options like “–abbrev=0” can also be utilized with the same command to get the desired output. This write-up explained the method to get the most recent tag name in the current Git branch.

About the author

Laiba Younas

I have done bachelors in Computer Science. Being passionate about learning new technologies, I am interested in exploring different programming languages and sharing my experience with the world.