How to use the command 'gh browse' (with examples)

The gh browse command allows you to open GitHub repositories and their various pages in a web browser or print the destination URL. This article will provide examples of different use cases of the gh browse command.

Use case 1: Open the homepage of the current repository in the default web browser

Code:

gh browse

Motivation: Opening the homepage of the current repository in the default web browser allows you to quickly access the repository’s main page, where you can find important information such as the README file, repository statistics, and recent activities.

Explanation: This use case does not require any additional arguments. It simply opens the homepage of the current repository in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the homepage of the current repository.

Use case 2: Open the homepage of a specific repository in the default web browser

Code:

gh browse owner/repository

Motivation: If you want to view a specific repository that you don’t currently have cloned, this use case allows you to quickly open its homepage in the web browser without manually typing the URL.

Explanation: Replace owner/repository in the command with the desired repository’s owner and name. This will open the homepage of the specified repository in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the homepage of the specified repository.

Use case 3: Open the settings page of the current repository in the default web browser

Code:

gh browse --settings

Motivation: Opening the settings page of the current repository in the web browser allows you to easily modify repository settings, such as changing repository visibility, managing access and collaborators, configuring webhooks, and more.

Explanation: Adding the --settings flag to the command opens the settings page of the current repository in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the settings page of the current repository.

Use case 4: Open the wiki of the current repository in the default web browser

Code:

gh browse --wiki

Motivation: Opening the wiki of the current repository in the web browser allows you to quickly access and contribute to the repository’s documentation or knowledge base.

Explanation: Adding the --wiki flag to the command opens the wiki page of the current repository in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the wiki page of the current repository.

Use case 5: Open a specific issue or pull request in the web browser

Code:

gh browse issue_number|pull_request_number

Motivation: Opening a specific issue or pull request in the web browser allows you to easily view, contribute, and discuss the given issue or pull request.

Explanation: Replace issue_number or pull_request_number in the command with the desired issue or pull request number. This will open the specified issue or pull request in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the page of the specified issue or pull request.

Use case 6: Open a specific branch in the web browser

Code:

gh browse --branch branch_name

Motivation: Opening a specific branch in the web browser allows you to explore the branch’s code, commits, and history without switching to that branch in your local repository.

Explanation: Replace branch_name in the command with the desired branch name. This will open the specified branch in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the branch page of the specified branch.

Use case 7: Open a specific file or directory of the current repository in the web browser

Code:

gh browse path/to/file_or_directory

Motivation: Opening a specific file or directory of the current repository in the web browser allows you to easily view and navigate through the repository’s file structure without cloning the entire repository.

Explanation: Replace path/to/file_or_directory in the command with the desired file or directory path. This will open the specified file or directory in the default web browser.

Example output: The default web browser opens, displaying the page of the specified file or directory.

Use case 8: Print the destination URL without opening the web browser

Code:

gh browse --no-browser

Motivation: Sometimes you may only need the URL to a specific GitHub page, and opening it in the web browser may not be necessary. In such cases, printing the destination URL is more convenient.

Explanation: Adding the --no-browser flag to the command will print the destination URL without opening the web browser.

Example output: https://github.com/owner/repository

Conclusion:

The gh browse command is a versatile tool for quickly accessing and interacting with GitHub repositories through a web browser. Whether you want to view a repository’s homepage, open specific pages, or manage repositories and their settings, the gh browse command provides a convenient and efficient workflow.