Getting Help with Git Commands

As you begin using Git, you'll encounter a variety of commands, each with its own set of options and behaviors. Remembering every detail is unnecessary, because Git provides a comprehensive built-in help system. Learning how to access this help effectively is an important first step in becoming proficient with Git.

Accessing Full Command Documentation

The most direct way to learn about a specific Git command is by using the git help command. Simply type git help followed by the name of the command you're interested in.

For example, if you want to understand the config command used for initial setup, you would run:

git help config

This command typically opens the official documentation for git config in your system's default viewer. On Unix-like systems (Linux, macOS), this is often the man (manual) page viewer. On Windows, it might open in a web browser. These manual pages provide detailed information about the command's purpose, synopsis, available options, configuration variables, and usage examples.

An alternative syntax achieves the same result:

git config --help

Both git help <command> and git <command> --help provide the most detailed documentation available for a specific command. Don't hesitate to use these whenever you need clarification on what a command does or what options are available.

Getting a Quick Summary

Sometimes, the full manual page offers more detail than you need. If you just want a quick reminder of the most common options for a command, many Git commands support the -h flag.

For instance, to see a concise summary of the commit command's options:

git commit -h

This usually prints a shorter help message directly to your terminal, listing the command's syntax and its main options. Note that not every single Git command supports the -h option, but it's available for many frequently used ones.

Listing Available Commands

If you're unsure of the exact command name or just want to see what Git commands are available, you can use git help without specifying a command:

git help

Or, similarly:

git --help

Running either of these commands displays a list of the most common Git commands, often grouped by function (e.g., starting a working area, working on the current change, examining history). This can be a useful starting point when you're trying to find the right tool for a task.

For a truly exhaustive list of all available Git commands, including less common ones, you can use:

git help --all

Built-in Guidance

Pay attention to Git's output as you work. Git is often helpful when you make a mistake or when there's a more appropriate next step. For example, if you misspell a command, Git might suggest the correct spelling. When you run git status, it often provides hints about commands you might want to run next, such as git add or git commit. These contextual hints are a valuable part of the learning process.

Learning at the Terminal

While the built-in help is excellent for command specifics, remember that official online documentation (available at the git-scm.com website) offers comprehensive guides, tutorials, and reference materials. Community forums like Stack Overflow are also useful resources for specific questions and troubleshooting.

Mastering the use of git help and its variations is fundamental. It allows you to explore Git's capabilities independently and find the information you need precisely when you need it. Make it a habit to consult the help system whenever you encounter an unfamiliar command or option.