Git Stash

What is Git Stash?

Git stash is a powerful command that allows developers to temporarily save their uncommitted changes in a Git repository. This feature is particularly useful when you need to switch branches or work on something else without committing unfinished work.

How to Use Git Stash

To use Git stash, you simply run the git stash command in your terminal. This will save your uncommitted changes and revert your working directory to the latest commit, making it clean and ready for a new task.

Here's a basic example:

Listing Stashed Changes

If you have stashed multiple changes, you can list them using git stash list. This command will show you a list of all the stashes you've saved.

Applying a Stash

Once you're ready to apply the stashed changes, you can use the git stash apply command followed by the stash identifier. If no identifier is provided, it will apply the most recent stash.

Example:

Dropping a Stash

After applying a stash, if you no longer need it, you can drop it using the git stash drop command. Specify the stash identifier to drop a specific stash, or use the default to drop the most recent one.

Stashing with Untracked Files

By default, Git stash does not save untracked files. However, you can include them by using the git stash -u or git stash --include-untracked option. This is useful when you want to ensure all your changes, including new files, are stashed.

Conclusion

Using Git stash is an essential part of a developer's workflow when managing changes in a project. It allows you to keep your working directory clean while preserving your work for later use. Understanding how to effectively use Git stash will enhance your productivity and version control skills.