Default branch name configuration in Git - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the default branch name in Git when you create a new repository?

The default branch name is usually main in modern Git versions. Older versions used master.

beginner

How can you check the current default branch name in your local Git repository?

You can run git branch --show-current to see the current branch you are on, or check remote default with git remote show origin.

intermediate

How do you change the default branch name for new Git repositories globally?

Use the command git config --global init.defaultBranch <branch-name> to set the default branch name for all new repositories you create.

intermediate

What command initializes a new Git repository with a custom default branch name?

Run git init --initial-branch=<branch-name> to create a new repo with a specific default branch name.

beginner

Why might you want to change the default branch name from 'master' to 'main'?

Changing to main is a modern convention to use more inclusive language and is now the default in Git and many platforms.

Which Git command sets the default branch name globally for new repositories?

A git branch -m main

B git config --global init.defaultBranch main

C git checkout -b main

D git remote set-head origin main

The command git config --global init.defaultBranch main sets the default branch name for all new repositories you create.

What is the default branch name used by Git versions before 2.28?

A master

B primary

C default

D main

Older Git versions used master as the default branch name.

How do you initialize a new Git repository with the default branch named 'develop'?

A git init --initial-branch=develop

B git branch develop

C git checkout develop

D git config init.defaultBranch develop

Use git init --initial-branch=develop to create a new repo with 'develop' as the default branch.

Which command shows the current branch you are working on?

A git remote show origin

B git status

C git branch --show-current

D git log

git branch --show-current displays the name of the current branch.

Why is 'main' preferred over 'master' as the default branch name?

A Because 'main' is shorter

B Because 'master' is deprecated in Git

C Because 'main' is the only supported name now

D To follow modern inclusive language practices

'main' is preferred to promote inclusive language; 'master' is still supported but less recommended.

Explain how to change the default branch name for all new Git repositories on your computer.

Think about a global Git configuration command.

Describe the difference between changing the default branch name for new repositories and renaming the branch in an existing repository.

Consider commands for new repo setup vs branch rename.