git log formatting options - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the --oneline option do in git log?

It shows each commit as a single line with the commit hash and the commit message summary, making the log shorter and easier to read.

beginner

How does the --graph option enhance the git log output?

It adds a text-based graph showing the branch structure and merges, helping visualize the commit history.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the --pretty=format:"%h - %an, %ar : %s" option?

It customizes the log output to show the short commit hash, author name, relative date, and commit message in a specific format.

intermediate

Explain the difference between --stat and --patch options in git log.

--stat shows a summary of changed files and lines added or removed. --patch shows the full changes (diff) made in each commit.

beginner

What does the --abbrev-commit option do in git log?

It shortens the commit hash to a shorter unique prefix, making the log output more compact.

Which git log option shows a simple one-line summary per commit?

A --oneline

B --patch

C --stat

D --graph

The --oneline option condenses each commit to a single line with a short hash and message.

What does the --graph option add to the git log output?

A Commit timestamps only

B Full patch details

C Author email addresses

D A visual branch and merge graph

The --graph option draws a text-based graph showing branches and merges.

Which option shows the detailed changes made in each commit?

A --patch

B --stat

C --oneline

D --abbrev-commit

--patch shows the full diff of changes in each commit.

How can you customize the output format of git log?

A Using <code>--stat</code>

B Using <code>--oneline</code>

C Using <code>--pretty=format:"..."</code>

D Using <code>--graph</code>

The --pretty=format:"..." option lets you define exactly what information to show and how.

What does --abbrev-commit do?

A Shows full commit hashes

B Shortens commit hashes

C Shows author names only

D Shows commit dates only

--abbrev-commit shortens commit hashes to a unique prefix.

Describe three different ways to format the output of git log and what each shows.

Think about simple, visual, and custom formats.

Explain the difference between --stat and --patch options in git log.

One shows summary, the other shows details.