How to Use the Command 'gh alias' (with Examples)

The gh alias command is a powerful feature of the GitHub CLI (Command Line Interface) that allows users to customize and streamline their command-line workflow when interacting with GitHub repositories. This command enables the creation, management, and deletion of shorthand versions (aliases) for longer commands, potentially saving time and improving efficiency for users who frequently use complex sequences of commands.

Use Case 1: Listing All Configured Aliases

Code:

gh alias list

Motivation:

Listing all configured aliases is crucial for users who have established multiple shortcuts over time. It provides a quick overview of the set aliases, allowing users to recall their specific functions without memorizing each custom command. This can be especially useful for those who share command-line environments or occasionally revisit their configuration.

Explanation:

• gh: This is the GitHub CLI command, which allows you to interact with GitHub from the command line.
• alias: The subcommand to manage aliases in GitHub CLI.
• list: A specific command to display all the currently configured aliases within the GitHub CLI.

Example Output:

pv:     pr view
co:     pr checkout
new:    issue create --label bug

This output shows the aliases pv, co, and new, along with their associated commands, which provide a straightforward understanding of what each alias does.

Use Case 2: Creating a GitHub CLI Subcommand Alias

Code:

gh alias set pv 'pr view'

Motivation:

Creating a subcommand alias like pv for pr view is a practical approach for users who frequently need to view pull requests. By shortening the command, it reduces keystrokes and the likelihood of typing errors, which can be beneficial when managing multiple pull requests simultaneously.

Explanation:

• gh: The GitHub CLI command.
• alias: The subcommand for managing aliases.
• set: The action to create a new alias.
• pv: The chosen shorthand for the alias, which serves as a new CLI command.
• 'pr view': The original command that the alias replaces, enclosed in quotes for clarity.

Example Output:

- Adding alias for 'pr view'

This output confirms that the alias pv has been successfully added for pr view, implying that you can now use gh pv instead of gh pr view.

Use Case 3: Setting a Shell Command as a GitHub CLI Subcommand

Code:

gh alias set --shell alias_name command

Motivation:

This use case is geared towards users who want to integrate shell commands within their GitHub CLI workflow. By doing so, it’s possible to execute complex shell scripts or utility commands directly from the gh interface, amalgamating non-GitHub related tasks into your existing GitHub workflows.

Explanation:

• gh: The GitHub CLI command.
• alias: Refers to managing the aliases.
• set: Indicates that you want to add a new alias.
• --shell: This flag specifies that the following alias pertains to a shell command, not strictly a GitHub CLI subset.
• alias_name: The name you’d like to assign to this alias.
• command: The actual shell command you intend to replace with this alias.

Example Output:

- Setting alias for a shell command

This feedback indicates that your shell-based alias has been successfully configured.

Use Case 4: Deleting a Command Shortcut

Code:

gh alias delete alias_name

Motivation:

Removing an alias is necessary when you want to unclutter your CLI setup, remove obsolete shortcuts, or fix shortcuts that are incorrectly set. This keeps your workflow streamlined and ensures that only relevant and currently useful shortcuts are maintained.

Explanation:

• gh: This is the command for running the GitHub CLI.
• alias: Refers to the alias management functionality.
• delete: The action that removes an alias.
• alias_name: The specific alias you wish to delete.

Example Output:

- Deleting alias 'alias_name'

This indicates that the alias you specified for deletion has been successfully removed from your configuration.

Use Case 5: Displaying the Subcommand Help

Code:

gh alias

Motivation:

When you’re exploring what certain commands under gh alias do, or if you’re slightly unfamiliar with the setup, displaying the subcommand help is useful. It provides immediate guidance on available functions and how they operate, potentially eliminating the need to refer to external documentation.

Explanation:

• gh: The primary command to invoke the GitHub CLI.
• alias: Calling this without additional arguments brings up the help documentation related to alias management.

Example Output:

Manage GitHub CLI command aliases.

USAGE
  gh alias <command> [flags]

COMMANDS
  delete  Delete an alias
  list    List all aliases
  set     Create a new command or shell script alias

This output provides an overview of command options available under gh alias, along with a brief explanation of each.

Conclusion:

The gh alias command is a potent tool for developers who rely on the command line for GitHub interactions. By optimizing frequently used commands into simple aliases, you can significantly enhance your productivity and reduce the margin for error during repetitive tasks. By understanding and leveraging all functionalities — listing, setting, and deleting aliases — you can maintain a clean and efficient command-line environment tailored to your workflow needs.