Git Alias Configuration: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Git is an indispensable tool for developers, but typing repetitive commands can slow you down. With Git aliases, you can create short and intuitive commands to streamline your workflow.

Here’s how to configure your Git aliases for maximum efficiency.

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Step 1: Edit Your .gitconfig File

Your .gitconfig file is typically located in your $HOME directory. Open it using your favorite editor:

vim ~/.gitconfig

Step 2: Add Basic Git Configurations

Here’s an example of what your .gitconfig might look like:

[core]
    excludesfile = /Users/moses.mansaray/.gitignore_global
    autocrlf = input

[user]
    name = moses.mansaray
    email = moses.mansaray@domain.com

[push]
    default = simple

Step 3: Add Useful Git Aliases

Below are some handy Git aliases to boost your productivity:

[alias]
    # Shortcuts for common commands
    co = checkout
    cob = checkout -b
    cod = checkout develop
    ci = commit
    st = status

    # Save all changes with a single command
    save = "!git add -A && git commit -m"

    # Reset commands
    rhhard-1 = reset --hard HEAD~1
    rhhard-o = reset head --hard

    # View logs in various formats
    hist = log --pretty=format:\"%h %ad | %s%d [%an]\" --graph --date=short
    llf = log --pretty=format:\"%C(yellow)%h%C(red)%d%C(reset)%s%C(blue) [%cn]\" --decorate --numstat
    lld = log --pretty=format:\"%C(yellow)%h %ad%C(red)%d%C(reset)%s%C(blue) [%cn]\" --decorate --date=short

    # View file details
    type = cat-file -t
    dump = cat-file -p

    # Amend commits easily
    amend = commit -a --amend

Alias Highlights

1. Branch Management:
   • co: Checkout an existing branch.
   • cob: Create and switch to a new branch.
   • cod: Switch to the develop branch.
2. Commit Management:
   • ci: Shortcut for git commit.
   • save: Adds all changes and commits with a single command.
3. Reset Commands:
   • rhhard-1: Resets to the previous commit (HEAD~1).
   • rhhard-o: Resets the current head completely.
4. Log Views:
   • hist: Visualize commit history in a graph with formatted output.
   • llf and lld: View logs with decorations and detailed information.
5. File Details:
   • type and dump: Inspect Git objects in detail.
6. Quick Fixes:
   • amend: Quickly modify the most recent commit.

Step 4: Test Your Aliases

After saving your .gitconfig file, test your new aliases in the terminal:

git st    # Check status
git cob feature/new-feature  # Create and switch to a new branch
git hist  # View the commit history

Conclusion

With your aliases set, you now have a simple yet powerful way to save time and reduce errors in your Git workflow. Enjoy turning repetitive tasks into one-liners.

Do you have a favourite Git alias that isn’t on this list? Share it in the comments below!