Git tags are a powerful way to mark specific points in your project’s history, typically used to label version releases (e.g., v1.0.0). Unlike branches, tags are fixed references to a commit—they don’t change as you continue development.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create, view, delete, and push tags in Git.
🏷️ What Is a Git Tag?
Tags are references to specific commits. Git supports two types:
- Lightweight tags: Simple references to a commit (like a bookmark)
- Annotated tags: Full objects in the Git database that include metadata like the tagger’s name, email, date, and message
✅ Step 1: Create a Tag
🔹 Lightweight Tag
git tag v1.0.0
Creates a tag pointing to the current commit.
🔹 Annotated Tag (Recommended for Releases)
git tag -a v1.0.0 -m "Release version 1.0.0"
-acreates an annotated tag-mspecifies a tag message
🔹 Tag a Specific Commit
git tag -a v1.0.0 9fceb02 -m "Tag specific commit"
Replace 9fceb02 with the commit hash.
✅ Step 2: List All Tags
git tag
To filter tags (e.g., starting with v1):
git tag -l "v1.*"
✅ Step 3: Push Tags to Remote
Tags are not pushed automatically. You must push them explicitly:
Push a single tag:
git push origin v1.0.0
Push all tags:
git push origin --tags
✅ Step 4: Delete a Tag
Delete local tag:
git tag -d v1.0.0
Delete tag from remote:
git push origin --delete tag v1.0.0
✅ Step 5: Checkout a Tag (Read-Only)
To view a tagged version (detached HEAD state):
git checkout v1.0.0
If you want to make changes, create a new branch from the tag:
git checkout -b new-feature v1.0.0
📝 Summary
| Action | Command |
|---|---|
| Create lightweight tag | git tag v1.0.0 |
| Create annotated tag | git tag -a v1.0.0 -m "Message" |
| List tags | git tag |
| Push a specific tag | git push origin v1.0.0 |
| Push all tags | git push origin --tags |
| Delete local tag | git tag -d v1.0.0 |
| Delete remote tag | git push origin --delete tag v1.0.0 |
| Checkout tag (read-only) | git checkout v1.0.0 |
🎯 Use Cases for Git Tags
- Marking version releases (
v1.0.0,v2.1.3) - Identifying important commits (e.g., milestones)
- Automating CI/CD pipelines based on version tags
- Managing changelogs and release notes
Git tags are essential for organizing releases and managing project milestones. Whether you’re shipping a new version or preparing for a rollback, tagging keeps your repository structured and version-aware.
