Git Glossary
Git Glossary
This glossary covers common Git terms and concepts. Use it as a handy reference while learning and working with Git.
Summary of Git Terms
- Branch
- Checkout
- Clone
- Commit
- Conflict
- Fetch
- Fork
- HEAD
- Index (Staging Area)
- Merge
- Origin
- Pull
- Push
- Rebase
- Remote
- Repository (Repo)
- Stash
- Tag
- Upstream
- Working Directory
Branch
A branch is a parallel version of your repository. Used to develop features independently.
Learn more on our Git Branch page
Example
git branch feature/loginCheckout
Switch to a different branch or commit.
Learn more on our Git Checkout page
Example
git checkout mainClone
Create a local copy of a remote repository.
Learn more on our Git Clone page
Example
git clone https://github.com/user/repo.gitCommit
A snapshot of your changes in the repository.
Learn more on our Git Commit page
Example
git commit -m "Add login feature"Conflict
When Git can't automatically merge changes from different commits or branches. You must resolve the differences manually.
Learn more on our Git Branch Merge page
Example
# Example: Merge conflict message
# CONFLICT (content): Merge conflict in file.txtFetch
Download changes from a remote repository without merging.
Learn more on our Git Pull from Remote page
Example
git fetch originFork
A personal copy of someone else's repository, usually on a platform like GitHub.
Learn more on our Git Remote Fork page
Example
# Use the GitHub interface to fork a repoIndex (Staging Area)
The Index (also called the Staging Area) is where changes are prepared before committing.
Learn more on our Git Staging Area page
Example
git add file.txtMerge
Combine changes from different branches.
Learn more on our Git Merge page
Example
git merge feature/loginOrigin
The default name for your main remote repository. You can rename or have multiple remotes if needed.
Learn more on our Git Remote page
Example
git remote add origin https://github.com/user/repo.gitPull
Fetch and merge changes from a remote repository.
Learn more on our Git Pull from Remote page
Example
git pull origin mainPush
Upload your commits to a remote repository.
Learn more on our Git Push to Remote page
Example
git push origin mainRebase
Move or combine a sequence of commits to a new base commit.
Learn more on our Git Rebase page
Example
git rebase mainRemote
A version of your repository hosted on the internet or network.
Learn more on our Git Set Remote page
Example
git remote -vRepository (Repo)
The database where your project's history is stored.
Learn more on our Git Get Started page
Example
git initStash
Temporarily save changes that aren't ready to commit.
Learn more on our Git Stash page
Example
git stashTag
Mark a specific commit as important, usually for releases.
Learn more on our Git Tag page
Example
git tag v1.0Note: Refer to this glossary whenever you encounter an unfamiliar Git term!
HEAD
HEAD is a reference to the current commit your working directory is based on. Usually points to the latest commit on your current branch.
Example
git log --oneline
# The top entry is HEADUpstream
An "upstream" branch is the default branch that your branch tracks and pulls from, usually on a remote repository.
Example
git push --set-upstream origin main
