Git has 150+ commands. You need 4. 🎯
Master These:
1. git rebase -i 🔧
Rewrite history like a time traveler. Clean up messy commits before merging. Your PR reviewers will love you.
Example:
git rebase -i HEAD~3
# Squash 'fix typo' commits
# Reorder logical changes
# Edit commit messages
2. git bisect 🔍
Binary search for bugs. When did the code break? Git will help you find the exact commit.
Example:
git bisect start
git bisect bad
git bisect good v2.1.0
# Git checks out middle commit
# Test, mark good/bad, repeat
3. git reflog 🛟
Your safety net. Accidentally deleted a branch? Reset too hard? Reflog remembers everything.
Example:
git reflog
# Find the commit hash before disaster
git reset --hard abc123
4. git worktree 🌳
Multiple working directories from one repo. Test different branches simultaneously without stashing.
Example:
git worktree add ../feature-branch feature-branch
# Work on main and feature simultaneously
Bonus Round:
• Learn git stash -u (includes untracked files)
• Master git log --oneline --graph
• Use aliases for common commands
Stop Using:
• Git GUIs for everything (learn the CLI first)
• git add . without reviewing changes
• Force push to shared branches
These 4 commands separate git users from git masters. They'll save you hours of debugging and merge conflicts.
Which git command saved your life recently? 💾