Creating branches with git branch - Visual Walkthrough

Process Flow - Creating branches with git branch

Start in main branch

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Run 'git branch <new-branch>'

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New branch created locally

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Check branches with 'git branch'

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New branch listed, current branch unchanged

This flow shows how creating a new branch with 'git branch' adds it locally without switching to it.

Execution Sample

Git

git branch feature1
git branch

Creates a new branch named 'feature1' and lists all branches.

Process Table

Step	Command	Action	Result	Current Branch
1	git branch feature1	Create new branch 'feature1'	Branch 'feature1' created locally	main
2	git branch	List all branches	* main feature1	main

💡 No branch switch occurs; current branch remains 'main'.

Status Tracker

Variable	Start	After Step 1	After Step 2
Branches	main	main, feature1	main, feature1
Current Branch	main	main	main

Key Moments - 2 Insights

Does 'git branch <name>' switch to the new branch?

No, it only creates the branch locally. The current branch stays the same as shown in the execution_table step 1 and 2.

How can I see the new branch after creating it?

Use 'git branch' to list all branches. The new branch will appear but is not checked out yet, as shown in execution_table step 2.

Visual Quiz - 3 Questions

Look at the execution table, what is the current branch after running 'git branch feature1'?

A main

B feature1

C No branch

D Detached HEAD

💡 Hint

Check the 'Current Branch' column in execution_table row 1.

At which step does the new branch 'feature1' appear in the branch list?

A Step 1

B Before Step 1

C Step 2

D It never appears

💡 Hint

Look at the 'Result' column in execution_table for branch listing.

If you want to switch to the new branch immediately after creating it, what should you do?

A Run 'git branch feature1' again

B Run 'git checkout feature1'

C Run 'git branch -d feature1'

D Run 'git merge feature1'

💡 Hint

Creating a branch does not switch to it; checkout is needed to switch branches.

Concept Snapshot

git branch <name> creates a new branch locally without switching.
Use 'git branch' to list all branches.
Current branch remains unchanged after creation.
To switch, use 'git checkout <name>' or 'git switch <name>'.

Full Transcript

Creating a branch with 'git branch <name>' adds a new branch locally but does not change your current branch. After running the command, you can list all branches with 'git branch' and see the new branch listed. However, you remain on the original branch until you explicitly switch using 'git checkout' or 'git switch'. This helps you prepare branches without moving away from your current work.