checkout
The git checkout command is used to switch between branches or restore working tree files in a Git repository. It is a versatile command that can be used for various purposes, such as switching branches, checking out specific commits, or discarding changes in the working directory.
Detailed Explanation
Switching Branches: The most common use of
git checkoutis to switch between branches. When you switch branches, Git updates the files in your working directory to match the state of the branch you are switching to.Creating and Switching to a New Branch: You can create a new branch and switch to it in a single command using the
-boption.Checking Out Specific Commits: You can use
git checkoutto check out a specific commit by its hash. This puts your repository in a "detached HEAD" state, meaning you are not on any branch.Restoring Files: You can use
git checkoutto restore specific files to their state in a particular commit or branch.
Examples
Switching to an Existing Branch:
git checkout masterThis command switches to the
masterbranch.Creating and Switching to a New Branch:
git checkout -b new-featureThis command creates a new branch named
new-featureand switches to it.