How to Use Git Branch: Commands and Examples

Use git branch to list branches, git branch <name> to create a new branch, and git checkout <name> or git switch <name> to switch branches. Delete branches with git branch -d <name>. These commands help you manage different versions of your project easily.

Syntax

The git branch command manages branches in your Git repository.

• git branch: Lists all branches.
• git branch <branch-name>: Creates a new branch named <branch-name>.
• git checkout <branch-name> or git switch <branch-name>: Switches to the specified branch.
• git branch -d <branch-name>: Deletes the specified branch if merged.

bash

git branch

git branch <branch-name>

git checkout <branch-name>

# or

git switch <branch-name>

git branch -d <branch-name>

Example

This example shows how to create a new branch, switch to it, and then list all branches.

bash

git branch feature

git switch feature

git branch

Output

* feature
  main

Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is trying to delete a branch that is currently checked out, which Git will not allow. Also, deleting a branch that has unmerged changes will fail unless forced.

Another pitfall is confusing git branch (which only creates or lists branches) with git checkout or git switch (which changes the current branch).

bash

git branch -d feature
# Error if 'feature' is the current branch or has unmerged changes

git switch main

git branch -d feature
# Deletes 'feature' branch safely

Output

error: Cannot delete branch 'feature' checked out at '/path/to/repo'
Deleted branch feature (was abc1234).

Quick Reference

Command	Description
git branch	List all branches
git branch	Create a new branch
git switch	Switch to a branch
git checkout	Switch to a branch (older)
git branch -d	Delete a merged branch
git branch -D	Force delete a branch

Key Takeaways

Use git branch to list and create branches without switching.

Switch branches with git switch or git checkout.

Delete branches safely with git branch -d, force delete with -D.

Never delete the branch you are currently on; switch first.

Branches help you work on features separately without affecting main code.