The git switch command is a relatively recent addition to Git, introduced to simplify and clarify the process of switching branches.

In practice, it serves a specific purpose that helps to distinguish the intent of branch switching from other operations, particularly the more complex git checkout.

This can reduce confusion, especially for new users who may find the terminology overwhelming.

The Purpose of git switch

The primary purpose of git switch is to change branches in your Git repository. While git checkout can do this, it also handles other tasks, such as restoring files or checking out specific commits. This duality can lead to unintended consequences, like accidentally overwriting changes.

git switch focuses solely on branch switching, making it clearer and safer for users.

In the background, when you run git switch, Git performs several operations:

This clarity helps developers understand their actions better, promoting safer workflows.

Basic Usage of git switch

The simplest form of the git switch command is as follows:

This command switches the current branch to branch-name. If the branch does not exist, you will receive an error.

Here’s an example:

If you run this command while on the main branch, Git will change your working directory to the state of the feature/new-ui branch. It is crucial to ensure that there are no uncommitted changes that conflict with the branch you are switching to.

Creating and Switching Branches

One of the powerful features of git switch is its ability to create and switch to a new branch in a single command using the -b flag:

This command is equivalent to running:

Using this command is a common workflow when you want to start a new feature based on your current branch. Here’s how it would look in practice:

This creates a new branch called feature/login and switches to it immediately. This streamlined approach saves time and reduces the chances of errors.

Handling Uncommitted Changes

What happens if you attempt to switch branches with uncommitted changes?

In scenarios where the changes in your working directory conflict with the files in the target branch, Git will prevent the switch and display an error message. This safety feature is designed to protect your work.

To manage this situation, you have several options:

Stash Your Changes: If you're not ready to commit, you can temporarily store your changes using git stash:

After switching, you can retrieve your stashed changes with:

Commit Your Changes: If the changes are ready to be committed, you can do so before switching:

Discard Changes: If you don't need the changes, you can discard them:

Understanding the Context of Switching

When you're switching branches, it’s essential to understand the context of your current changes and the relationship between branches. This helps in visualizing how branches diverge and converge. Here’s a simple visualization of a commit graph:

In this example, main and feature/login have diverged after Commit C. When you switch to feature/login, your working directory will reflect the changes made in Commit B.

Practical Scenarios for Using git switch

Choosing when to use git switch can improve your workflow significantly. Here are some practical scenarios:

Now that you understand git switch, you are ready to explore git checkout (branches). In the next chapter, we will look at the more versatile git checkout command, which offers additional functionality beyond just switching branches, making it a powerful tool in your Git arsenal.