To switch Git branches, first update the local repo with git fetch, check existing branches with git branch commands, then use git checkout or git switch to change branches, handling uncommitted changes by committing, stashing, or discarding them. When switching Git branches, ensure your local repository is up to date using git fetch to avoid conflicts, verify available branches with git branch (local), git branch -r (remote), or git branch -a (all). Use git checkout branch-name or git switch branch-name to switch branches, creating a local tracking branch if necessary with git checkout -b branch-name origin/branch-name. Handle uncommitted changes by either committing them with git add and git commit, stashing temporarily with git stash and applying later with git stash pop, or forcing the switch with git checkout -f while being cautious of data loss. Create and switch to a new branch in one step using git switch -c new-feature or git checkout -b new-feature for starting fresh work.
Switching between Git branches is a common task when working on different features, bug fixes, or versions of a project. The process is straightforward once you understand the basic commands and flow.
Make sure your local repo is up to date
Before switching branches, it’s a good idea to make sure your local repository has the latest changes from the remote. This helps avoid conflicts or missing updates.
- Run
git fetchto get the latest branch info from the remote. - If you're working with a team, this ensures you’re not switching to an outdated version of a branch.
If you're unsure what branches exist locally and remotely, use:
-
git branchto see local branches -
git branch -rto see remote branches -
git branch -ato see all branches
Use git checkout or git switch to change branches
There are two main ways to switch branches in Git: git checkout and git switch.
? With git checkout (older but widely used)
git checkout branch-name
This command switches to the specified branch. It's been around for a while and is still commonly used.
? With git switch (newer, more focused command)
git switch branch-name
This was introduced later and is designed specifically for switching branches, which makes it a bit safer and easier to use in some cases.
Note: If the branch exists only on the remote, you may need to create a local tracking branch first:
git checkout -b branch-name origin/branch-name
Handle uncommitted changes carefully
If you have changes in your working directory that aren’t committed, Git won’t let you switch branches unless those changes don’t conflict with the files in the target branch.
You have a few options:
- Commit your changes before switching:
git add . git commit -m "Save progress before switching"
- Stash your changes temporarily:
git stash git checkout other-branch git stash pop # apply the stashed changes later
- Or, if you're okay with discarding changes, you can force the switch:
git checkout -f other-branch
Just be careful — losing uncommitted work is easy if you're not paying attention.
Bonus tip: Create and switch to a new branch in one step
If you want to start working on something new without affecting the current branch, just create a new branch and switch to it at the same time:
git switch -c new-feature
Or using checkout:
git checkout -b new-feature
This is especially useful when starting a new feature or fix.
That’s basically how you switch between Git branches. It’s simple most of the time, but watch out for uncommitted changes and always keep your repo updated.
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