How Git Branches Work
A Git branch is essentially a movable reference pointing to a commit. Creating a branch is cheap because Git does not duplicate the entire project. As new commits are created, the branch reference advances.
The special reference HEAD identifies the currently checked-out position.
Branch References
Create and Switch Branches
git branch feature/login
git switch feature/login
git switch -c feature/profile💡
git branch creates a branch without switching to it. git switch changes the current branch, and git switch -c creates and checks out a new branch.Key Takeaways
- Branches are lightweight references to commits.
- Feature branches isolate work from the main line.
git switch -cis a convenient modern command for creating and switching.
Knowledge Check
What does a Git branch primarily represent?