Most Used Git Commands: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

Whether you're new to Git or need a quick refresher, this post will walk you through the most commonly used Git commands with practical examples. Each command is paired with input/output and real-world context so you can learn by doing. Let’s dive in!

1. git init – Start a New Git Repository

Use Case:

You're creating a new project and want to start tracking it with Git.

Input:

mkdir my-app && cd my-app
git init

Output:

Initialized empty Git repository in /home/user/my-app/.git/

Explanation:

This creates a .git directory that tracks your project. It's now a local Git repo.

2. git clone – Copy an Existing Repository

Use Case:

You want to contribute to an existing project or start working locally on one from GitHub.

Input:

git clone https://github.com/octocat/Hello-World.git

Output:

Cloning into 'Hello-World'...
remote: Enumerating objects: 10, done.
remote: Counting objects: 100% (10/10), done.

Explanation:

Creates a new directory (Hello-World/) and downloads all files and history from the repo.

3. git status – Check Your Work

Use Case:

You want to see what’s changed, what’s staged, and what’s untracked.

Input:

git status

Output:

On branch main
Untracked files:
  (use "git add ..." to include in what will be committed)

    index.html

Explanation:

Shows what files are untracked (not staged) or modified. Helpful before committing.

4. git add – Stage Changes

Use Case:

You're ready to tell Git which files to include in the next commit.

Input:

git add index.html

Output:

(no output on success)

Explanation:

Stages the file so it will be included in the next commit. Use . to stage all files:

git add .

5. git commit – Save a Snapshot

Use Case:

You're done with a chunk of work and want to checkpoint your progress.

Input:

git commit -m "Add landing page"

Output:

[main 3e1f51a] Add landing page
 1 file changed, 12 insertions(+)

Explanation:

Commits all staged files to your local repo with a message.

6. git push – Upload Changes to Remote

Use Case:

You want to push your local commits to GitHub (or another remote).

Input:

git push origin main

Output:

Enumerating objects: 5, done.
Counting objects: 100% (5/5), done.
To https://github.com/user/my-app.git
   abc1234..def5678  main -> main

Explanation:

Sends your local commits to the remote repository. Often used after commit.

7. git pull – Get Latest Changes

Use Case:

Other team members made changes and you want to fetch + merge them into your local copy.

Input:

git pull origin main

Output:

Updating abc1234..def5678
Fast-forward
 style.css | 4 ++++

Explanation:

Downloads and merges new changes from the remote branch.

8. git branch – Manage Branches

View all branches:

git branch

Create a new branch:

git branch feature/login

Switch to a branch:

git checkout feature/login

Output:

Switched to branch 'feature/login'

Explanation:

Branches help isolate features or fixes. Always create a branch for new work!

9. git merge – Combine Branches

Use Case:

You're done working in a feature branch and want to merge it into main.

Input:

git checkout main
git merge feature/login

Output:

Updating abc1234..def5678
Fast-forward
 login.js | 20 ++++++++++++++++++++

Explanation:

Combines the changes from the feature branch into your main branch.

10. git log – View Commit History

Input:

git log --oneline

Output:

def5678 Add login functionality
abc1234 Add landing page
3e1f51a Initial commit

Explanation:

Shows a compact history of commits. Super helpful for understanding progress or debugging.

Bonus: Undoing Mistakes

Unstage a file:

git restore --staged file.txt

Discard changes:

git restore file.txt

Reset last commit (keep changes):

git reset --soft HEAD~1

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

These commands form the backbone of your daily Git workflow. Whether you're building a side project, collaborating on a team, or contributing to open source, mastering these basics will keep your code safe, trackable, and team-friendly.