Explain “git checkout” Command With Examples | Checkout Branch, Checkout Commit

Git is the versioning control system that is utilized most frequently worldwide. Users can make distinct branches for several teams working on the same module or project. They may also create them for every feature you add to the project. Users can work on many projects at once and switch between all of the available branches.

This tutorial will briefly explain the “git checkout” command with examples.

Explain the “git checkout” Command With Examples | Checkout Branch, Checkout Commit

The “git checkout” command is a versatile Git command that permits users for switching between different branches, commits, or even individual files in the specified repository. To do so, check out the given examples discussed below:

• Example 1: Checkout Branch in Git.
• Example 2: Checkout Commits in Git.

Example 1: Checkout Branch in Git

Users can utilize “git checkout” for switching between different branches in the same repository. For practical demonstration, check out the below-stated instructions:

• Move toward the Git local repository.
• List all branches using the “git branch” command.
• Switch from one branch to another by executing the “git checkout” along with the branch name.

Step 1: Go to the Git Local Repository
Initially, Move to the Git local repository with the help of the “cd” command:

Step 2: List all Available Branches
Execute the “git branch” command to list all the local branches:

In the below-stated output, the asterisk “*” beside the “myfeature” branch indicates that it is the current working branch:

Step 3: Switch Between Branches
To switch between branches, execute the “git checkout” branch along with the branch name:

As a result, we have been switched from the “myfeature” branch to the “feature2” branch successfully:

Example 2: Checkout Commit in Git

The “git checkout” command is also used for temporarily moving to a specific commit in the repository. To do so, check out the given instructions:

• View the Git log with the help of “git log –oneline” to show each commit in a single line.
• Checkout commit by executing the “git checkout” command along with a specific commit id.

Step 1: View Git Log
Run the “git log –oneline” command to represent each commit in a single line:

From the provided output, choose any one commit SHA hash. For instance, we have selected the “193c159” commit hash:

Step 2: Checkout Commit

Now, execute the “git checkout” command along with a specific commit id and switch to it:

Note: When users will check out to a commit, they will be in a “detached HEAD” state, which means they are not on any branch, and any changes that are made will not be associated with a branch.

That’s all about the “git checkout” command with various examples.

Conclusion

The “git checkout” command permits users to switch between different branches and commits. Use the “Git checkout <branch name>” command to switch between branches. Furthermore, the “git checkout <commit_hash>” command is used for checking out a specific commit. This blog elaborated on the “git checkout” command with different examples.