Question 1

What is the difference between a tag and a branch?

Accepted Answer

A tag is a fixed reference: it always points to the same commit. A branch is a moving reference: it advances with each new commit. Tags mark versions, branches represent lines of development.

Question 2

Lightweight vs annotated tag: which one should I use?

Accepted Answer

The annotated tag (-a) is recommended because it stores metadata (author, date, message). A lightweight tag is just a pointer to a commit, with no extra info. Use annotated tags for releases and lightweight tags for temporary markers.

Question 3

How do I push tags to the remote repository?

Accepted Answer

Tags are not pushed by git push. Use git push origin v1.0.0 for a specific tag, or git push --tags for all tags. It's an easy step to forget!

Question 4

How do I delete a remote tag?

Accepted Answer

First delete the local tag: git tag -d v1.0.0. Then delete the remote tag: git push origin --delete v1.0.0. Both steps are necessary.

Question 5

When should I create a tag?

Accepted Answer

Create a tag when you release a version (v1.0.0, v1.1.0...), when you reach an important project milestone, or before a production deployment. Tags serve as reference points in the history.

Sign in

Git tag: create and manage versions

Semantic Versioning (SemVer)

Git tag in practice

Create and view tags

Push and delete

Lightweight vs annotated tag

Lightweight tag

Annotated tag

Related commands

Questions about git tag

Practice versioning in GitQuest