Branching is one of Git’s most powerful features. It allows developers to work on different parts of a project independently—such as features, bug fixes, or experiments—without interfering with the main codebase. If you’re learning Git or just need a refresher, understanding how to switch branches is essential.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to move to another branch in Git using the terminal.
What Is a Branch in Git?
A branch in Git is a lightweight, movable pointer to a specific commit. Think of it as a parallel version of your project where you can make changes, test features, and fix bugs without affecting the main or production branch.
Viewing Existing Branches
To see a list of all branches in your local repository, run:
git branch
This command shows:
- A list of local branches
- The branch you’re currently on, highlighted with an asterisk (
*)
If you want to see remote branches as well, use:
git branch -a
Switching to an Existing Branch
To switch to another existing local branch, use:
git checkout branch-name
Or, using Git 2.23 and above (recommended):
git switch branch-name
Example:
git switch feature/login-page
✅ Tip: The
switchcommand is more user-friendly and designed specifically for switching branches.
Creating and Switching to a New Branch
If the branch does not exist yet, you can create and switch to it in one step:
git checkout -b new-branch-name
Or using the newer command:
git switch -c new-branch-name
Example:
git switch -c feature/signup-flow
This creates a new branch based on your current branch and moves you into it.
Switching to a Remote Branch
If the branch exists on the remote (e.g., GitHub) but not locally, you can check it out like this:
git fetch origin
git checkout branch-name
Or:
git switch branch-name
Git will automatically create a local tracking branch linked to the remote.
Dealing with Uncommitted Changes
If you have changes that are not committed, Git might block the branch switch. You have a few options:
- Commit the changes:
git add .
git commit -m "WIP: ongoing changes"
- Stash the changes temporarily:
git stash
git switch branch-name
Later, you can retrieve them with:
git stash pop
Conclusion
Switching branches in Git is a core part of effective version control. Whether you’re reviewing code, fixing a bug, or developing a new feature, the ability to quickly move between branches ensures a clean, organized workflow.
Quick Summary:
git branch— List local branchesgit switch branch-name— Switch to a branch (Git 2.23+)git checkout branch-name— Switch to a branch (older syntax)git switch -c new-branch— Create and switchgit stash— Save uncommitted changes temporarily
Mastering these simple commands will make you a more efficient and confident Git user.
