How Do You Create a Git Branch?

As a programmer, you can work on a project that utilizes Git as a decentralized versioning software for tracking development projects. While working on the new module or feature, tracking can be done separately by creating new Git branches. Git branches are mainly made to separate specific Git commits from the existing Git history. If the main Git history is based on any existing branch, such as the master branch, developers are permitted to create an individual Git branch for new modules.

This manual will explain the procedure for creating a Git branch. So, let’s begin!

How to Create a Git Branch?

Git allows users to create branches using multiple commands, such as “$ git branch” and “$ git checkout” commands. They also enable you to create branches using existing commit references or id and Git tags.

Let’s move ahead to create a new branch with the help of the discussed commands.

Method 1: Use git checkout Command to Create Branch

To create a new branch, execute the “git branch” command with the branch name:

$ git branch feature

Next, run the below-provided command to view the list of branches:

$ git branch

It can be seen that we have successfully created the “feature” branch:

Now, let’s check out the second method!

Method 2: Create Branch Using git checkout Command

The “git checkout” command is another easiest way to create and switch a new branch simultaneously:

$ git checkout -b alpha

Here, adding the “-b” option will assist in creating a branch and switching to it immediately:

Method 3: Create Branch Using git tag Command

In order to create a new branch using the git tag, first, display the list of all existing tags. Then, choose one of them and execute the “$ git branch <branch-name> <git-tag>” command.

Let’s implement the above-mentioned scenario!

Execute the “git tag” command to view the list of existing Git tags:

$ git tag

Here you can see the list of tags is displayed:

Now, run the below-provided command to create a new branch using the selected Git tag:

$ git branch beta v1.0

Next, view the list of Git branches to ensure the presence newly created branch:

$ git branch

Below output shows that, the specified branch is created successfully:

How to Create Branch Using Commit Reference?

Another easy way to create a Git branch is by utilizing the commit reference. To do so, first, we will view the log history of the Git repository:

$ git log --oneline --graph

Then, select the required commit reference from the output and copy it. For instance, we have selected the “e296e5b” commit reference:

Now, execute the “git checkout” command to create a new branch with the selected commit reference:

$ git checkout -b e296e5b

It can be observed that we have successfully created the “e296e5b” successfully and switched to it:

That’s all! We have discussed the easiest ways of creating a Git branch.

Conclusion

You can create a new Git branch using the “$ git branch <branch-name>” command. Git also allows you to create a new branch using Git’s existing tags and commits reference or id. For this purpose, utilize the “$ git <branch-name> <git-tag>” command and the “$ git checkout” command with the “-b” option and “commit-ref”. This manual demonstrated the method of creating a Git branch.