When working with Git, it’s important to know which branch you are currently on, especially when managing multiple features, bug fixes, or releases. Knowing your branch ensures you don’t accidentally commit changes to the wrong branch.
This guide will show you simple ways to check your current Git branch.
Method 1: Using the Git Command Line
Open your terminal (Git Bash, Command Prompt, or Terminal) and navigate to your Git repository folder.
Run this command:
git branch
- This will list all local branches.
- The current branch will be highlighted with an asterisk (
*).
Example output:
develop
* main
feature/login
In this example, the current branch is main.
Method 2: Using Git Status
You can also run:
git status
At the top of the output, you’ll see a line like:
On branch main
This clearly indicates the branch you are working on.
Method 3: Using Visual Studio Code
If you use VS Code:
- Look at the bottom-left corner of the window.
- The current branch name is displayed there.
- Clicking on the branch name opens the branch switcher.
Method 4: Using Git GUI Clients
Most Git GUI tools (GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, GitKraken) display the current branch prominently in the UI, usually near the top or sidebar.
Summary
| Method | Command/Action |
|---|---|
| Command Line | git branch |
| Command Line (alt) | git status |
| VS Code | Bottom-left corner shows branch |
| Git GUI Clients | Current branch displayed in UI |
Conclusion
Checking your current branch in Git is quick and easy, whether you prefer command line or graphical tools. Staying aware of your branch helps avoid mistakes and keeps your workflow organized.
