How to Use Git Stash: Save Your Work Without Committing

When working with Git, sometimes you need to switch contexts quickly — maybe to review someone else’s code or fix a critical bug — but you’re in the middle of unfinished work that you don’t want to commit yet. This is where Git stash comes in handy.

Git stash lets you temporarily save your changes without committing them, so you can come back later and resume exactly where you left off.

Table of Contents

What Is Git Stash?

Git stash is a command that stores your uncommitted changes (both staged and unstaged) in a safe place and reverts your working directory back to the last commit. Think of it like putting your current work on a temporary shelf.

When to Use Git Stash?

You need to switch branches but aren’t ready to commit.
You want to pull or merge the latest code but have local changes.
You’re experimenting and want to save progress without cluttering your commit history.

Basic Git Stash Commands

1. Stash Your Changes

git stash

This command saves your local modifications and reverts the working directory to match the HEAD commit (latest commit in your current branch).

2. View Your Stashes

git stash list

See all your stashed changes stored in the stash stack.

3. Apply Your Stash

To reapply your stashed changes back to your working directory without removing them from the stash list:

git stash apply

You can specify a stash if you have multiple, for example:

git stash apply stash@{2}

4. Pop Your Stash

This reapplies the changes and removes the stash from the list:

git stash pop

5. Drop a Stash

If you want to remove a stash without applying it:

git stash drop stash@{0}

6. Clear All Stashes

git stash clear

Advanced Git Stash Options

Stash Untracked Files:
By default, untracked files (new files not yet added) are not stashed. To stash them too: git stash -u
Stash with a Message:
Adding a description helps identify stashes later: git stash save "WIP: fixing header layout"

Example Workflow Using Git Stash

You’re halfway through adding a new feature but suddenly need to fix a bug in master.
Run git stash to save your current work.
Switch to the master branch and fix the bug.
Commit and push your fix.
Return to your feature branch.
Use git stash pop to restore your unfinished work and continue.

Final Thoughts

Git stash is a powerful tool that keeps your workflow flexible and your commits clean. It’s a lifesaver when juggling multiple tasks or needing quick context switches without losing work.