git switch

Git version 2.23.0 introduced a new command git switch. This command does a subset of what git checkout does (because git checkout does so many different things). You can continue using git checkout for this functionality but the idea is git switch is clearer for those starting out.

Error Message

If you get the message,

git: ‘switch’ is not a git command. See ‘git –help’.

you’re probably running an older version of git.

If the command you’re running starts with git switch -c use git checkout -b instead.

If the command you’re running starts with git switch (without -c) use git checkout instead.

Switch to an Existing Branch

Old Way

git checkout my-branch

New Way

git switch my-branch

Create and Switch to a New Branch

This command creates a new branch and switches to it. This one command does the same thing as the two commands:

• git branch my-new-branch
• git switch my-new-branch

Old Way

git checkout -b my-new-branch

New Way

git switch -c my-new-branch

See Also

Git version 2.23.0 also introduced git restore.

Sal Ferrarello (@salcode)

Sal is a PHP developer with a focus on the WordPress platform. He is a conference speaker with a background including Piano Player, Radio DJ, Magician/Juggler, Beach Photographer, and High School Math Teacher. Sal can be found professionally at WebDevStudios, where he works as a senior backend engineer.