How to use the command git help (with examples)

Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to track changes in their codebase. The git help command provides users with information about the different Git subcommands, guides, and configuration variables. It is a useful command for users who want to understand how to use specific Git features or need guidance on configuring their Git environment.

Use case 1: Display help about a specific Git subcommand

Code:

git help subcommand

Motivation: This example is useful when you want to understand how to use a specific Git subcommand. It provides detailed information about the subcommand’s usage, options, and examples.

Explanation:

• subcommand: Replace this with the name of the subcommand you want help information about.

Example output:

$ git help status
GIT-STATUS(1)                            Git Manual                            GIT-STATUS(1)

NAME
       git-status - Show the working tree status

SYNOPSIS
       git status [<options>…​] [--] [<pathspec>…​]

DESCRIPTION
...

Use case 2: Display help about a specific Git subcommand in a web browser

Code:

git help --web subcommand

Motivation: This example is useful when you prefer browsing documentation in a web browser rather than the command line. It opens the Git documentation for the specified subcommand in your default web browser, allowing for more comfortable reading and navigation.

Explanation:

• --web: This option tells Git to open the documentation in a web browser.
• subcommand: Replace this with the name of the subcommand you want to open the web documentation for.

Example output: Opens the documentation for the status subcommand in the default web browser.

Use case 3: Display a list of all available Git subcommands

Code:

git help --all

Motivation: This example is useful when you want to see a comprehensive list of all available Git subcommands. It provides a quick reference for all the different functionalities that Git offers.

Explanation:

• --all: This option displays the full list of available Git subcommands.

Example output:

git-add(1)
...
git-remote(1)
...

Use case 4: List the available guides

Code:

git help --guide

Motivation: This example is useful when you are looking for additional guides and tutorials to expand your knowledge of Git. It lists all the available guides that provide in-depth explanations of specific Git topics or workflows.

Explanation:

• --guide: This option lists all the available Git guides.

Example output:

alias
annotating
attributes
blame
...

Use case 5: List all possible configuration variables

Code:

git help --config

Motivation: This example is useful when you want to explore and understand the various configuration variables available in Git. Configuration variables control Git’s behavior and can be customized to suit your preferences and workflow.

Explanation:

• --config: This option lists all the possible configuration variables in Git.

Example output:

advice.commitBeforeMerge
...
worktree.pruneexpire
...

Conclusion:

The git help command is a valuable resource for Git users. It provides comprehensive information about Git subcommands, guides, and configuration variables, helping users understand and leverage Git’s functionality. By exploring the different use cases, users can deepen their understanding of Git and optimize their workflow.