How to use the command 'git column' (with examples)

The ‘git column’ command is a Git command that is used to display data in columns. It can be used to format the data in a specified way, such as displaying it in multiple columns or setting a maximum width or padding.

Use case 1: Format stdin as multiple columns

Code:

ls | git column --mode=column

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to display the output of a command in multiple columns, making it easier to read and understand. It can be particularly helpful when dealing with a large amount of data.

Explanation:

• ls is a command that lists the files and directories in the current directory.
• git column is used to format the output of the ls command. Here, the --mode=column flag is used to display the data in multiple columns.

Example output:

file1.txt    file2.txt    file3.txt
directory1   directory2   directory3

Use case 2: Format stdin as multiple columns with a maximum width

Code:

ls | git column --mode=column --width=100

Motivation: By specifying a maximum width, you can ensure that the output is formatted in a way that fits within a specific space, such as in a terminal window or a report. This can prevent the data from being truncated or overflowing.

Explanation:

• --width=100 sets the maximum width of each column to 100 characters. If the data exceeds this width, it will wrap to the next line.

Example output:

file1.txt    file2.txt    file3.txt    directory1
directory2   directory3

Use case 3: Format stdin as multiple columns with a maximum padding

Code:

ls | git column --mode=column --padding=30

Motivation: The padding option allows you to add extra spaces between columns, which can improve the readability and aesthetics of the formatted output. It ensures that each column is visually separated from the others.

Explanation:

• --padding=30 sets the maximum padding between columns to 30 spaces. This means that there will be at least 30 spaces between each column, even if the data in one of the columns is shorter.

Example output:

file1.txt                            file2.txt                            file3.txt                           
directory1                           directory2                           directory3  

Conclusion:

The ‘git column’ command is a versatile tool for formatting data in columns. It provides different options to control the layout and display of the data, allowing for improved readability and aesthetics. Whether you need to display data in multiple columns, set a maximum width, or add padding between columns, the ‘git column’ command can help you achieve your desired output format.