What is the difference between git switch and git checkout?

switch only switches branches, while checkout can also restore files. switch is clearer, safer, and recommended since Git 2.23.

How do I create and switch to a branch in one command?

Use git switch -c branch-name. The -c flag (create) creates the branch and switches to it. It's the equivalent of git checkout -b.

How do I go back to the previous branch?

Type git switch - (with a dash). It's a shortcut to switch back to the last visited branch, like cd - in the terminal.

What if switch refuses because of uncommitted changes?

Run git commit or git stash before switching. You can also use git switch -f to force, but be careful: uncommitted changes will be lost.

Does git switch work on all Git versions?

switch was introduced in Git 2.23 (August 2019). If you have an older version, use git checkout. Check your version with git --version.

Git switch: change branches the easy way

git switch is the modern command for navigating between branches. Clearer and safer than checkout, it's the recommended approach since Git 2.23.

Practice git switch Git Glossary

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Modern

What is git switch?

git switch does one thing and does it well: switch branches. It's the modern and clear version of git checkout for branch navigation.

Introduced in Git 2.23, switch cleanly separates branch navigation (switch) from file restoration (restore).

Git switch syntax

git switch branch

Switch to an existing branch

git switch -c new-branch

Create and switch to a new branch

git switch -

Go back to the previous branch

Git switch in practice

Navigate between branches easily.

Basic switch

gitquest — switch

# Switch branches

$git switch feature-login

Switched to branch 'feature-login'

# Create and switch to a new branch

$git switch -c feature-signup

Switched to a new branch 'feature-signup'

# Go back to the previous branch

$git switch -

Switched to branch 'feature-login'

Advanced switch

gitquest — switch advanced

# Create a branch from a specific commit

$git switch -c hotfix a1b2c3d

Switched to a new branch 'hotfix'

# Switch to a remote branch

$git switch feature-remote

branch 'feature-remote' set up to track 'origin/feature-remote'

# Explore a commit (detached HEAD)

$git switch --detach a1b2c3d

HEAD is now at a1b2c3d

git switch vs git checkout

`git switch`

Only for branches. Clear and unambiguous. Refuses dangerous operations by default.

Recommended for beginners and pros alike

`git checkout`

Branches + files + commits. Versatile but confusing. Can overwrite files by accident.

Legacy but still functional

Common mistakes with git switch

Uncommitted changes

Switch will refuse to change branches if you have uncommitted changes that would be overwritten. Run git stash or commit first.

Branch doesn't exist

If the branch doesn't exist locally, use git switch -c to create it. If it exists on the remote, git switch will automatically create it and set up tracking.

Confusing -c and -C

-c creates a new branch (fails if it exists). -C creates or resets the branch (overwrites if it exists).

Part of the Git Branching Workflow guide

Related commands

git branch

List and manage branches

git checkout

The legacy command for branches

git restore

Restore files

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