Git Commands

An overview of the most important Git commands

Git Commands featured image

git merge

The "merge" command is used to integrate changes from another branch.

The target of this integration (i.e. the branch that receives changes) is always the currently checked out HEAD branch.

While Git can perform most integrations automatically, some changes will result in conflicts that have to be solved by the user. Read more about Dealing with Merge Conflicts in our online book.

Important Options

--no-ff

Creates a merge commit even when a fast-forward would be possible.

--squash

Combines all integrated changes into a single commit, instead of preserving them as individual commits.

--abort

When a conflict occurs, this option can be used to abort the merge and restore the project's state as it was before starting the merge.

The Git Cheat Sheet

No need to remember all those commands and parameters: get our popular "Git Cheat Sheet" - for free!

Usage Examples

Before using "git merge", make sure the correct local branch is checked out. Then, to perform the merge, simply specify which branch's commits you want to integrate:

git checkout develop
git merge feature/login


Tip

Easy Branching & Merging in Tower

In case you are using the Tower Git client, merging branches is very easy: simply drag the branch you want to integrate and drop it onto your current HEAD branch in the sidebar.

In case of a merge conflict, Tower's unique "Conflict Wizard" helps you solve the problems in an easy, visual way:


Learn More

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That's why we provide our guides, videos, and cheat sheets (about version control with Git and lots of other topics) for free.

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