How to Switch Branch in Git?

In version control system, Git is one of the most powerful tools for managing code changes and collaboration among developers. A fundamental aspect of Git’s functionality is its branching system, which enables you to work on multiple features or fixes concurrently without affecting the main codebase. In this article, we will see a walkaround on how to effectively switch between branches in Git.

What is Git Branch?

In Git, a branch is essentially a movable pointer to a specific commit in the repository’s history. The default branch, often named master or main, represents the primary line of development. When developers create a new branch, they’re essentially creating a new line of development that extends from the main branch.

Now let’s see how to switch branches in GIT:

Approach 1: Using git checkout Command

The git checkout command is a versatile tool for navigating between branches in Git. It allows developers to switch to a different branch and update the working directory to reflect the state of the selected branch.

Syntax:

git checkout <branch_name>

Example: Suppose you’re working on a feature branch named “feature-login” and need to switch to the main branch to incorporate recent changes. Here’s how you would use git checkout:

List available branches

git branch

Switch to the main branch

git checkout main

Approach 2: Using git switch Command (Introduced in Git 2.23+)

The git switch command is a newer addition to Git, designed to provide a more intuitive and consistent experience for branch switching. It simplifies the syntax and offers clearer feedback during the process.

Syntax:

git switch <branch_name>

Example: Imagine you’re working on a bug fix branch named “bug-fix” and want to switch to a release branch named “release-v1.0”. Here’s how you would use git switch:

List available branches

git branch

Switch to the feature-new branch

git switch feature-new