Git branch Command
In this page:
Listing Branches
git branch on its own lists every local branch in your repository, marking your current one with an asterisk; add -r to see remote-tracking branches instead, or -a to see both local and remote together.
Example: Listing Branches
git branch
git branch -r
git branch -aCreating a New Branch
git branch <name> creates a new branch pointing at your current commit without switching to it; adding a starting commit hash instead lets you branch off from any specific point in history, not just where you currently are.
Example: Creating a New Branch
git branch feature-cartDeleting a Branch
git branch -d <name> deletes a branch, but only if its commits have already been merged elsewhere -- Git blocks the deletion otherwise to protect unmerged work, and you'd need the more forceful -D to override that safeguard.
Example: Deleting a Branch
git branch -d feature-cart
git branch -D feature-cartRenaming a Branch
git branch -m <old> <new> renames a branch -- run without arguments except the new name to rename whichever branch you currently have checked out, or specify both names to rename a branch you're not currently on.
Example: Renaming a Branch
git branch -m old-name new-nameInspecting Upstream Branches
git branch -vv shows each local branch alongside its remote-tracking counterpart and how many commits ahead or behind it is, which is the fastest way to spot branches that need a push or a pull before continuing work.
Example: Inspecting Upstream Branches
git branch -vvChapter Quiz — Complete all 9 topics to unlock
0/9 topics done
Complete these topics first: