How to Use the Command 'git help' (with Examples)

The git help command is an essential tool for both novice and experienced Git users. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the multitude of commands and functionalities that Git offers. The command provides detailed help information directly from the command line, making it readily accessible. This feature is crucial for users who need quick answers or guidance without the need to browse the web.

Additionally, git help allows users to access detailed documentation, including usage instructions and examples for specific subcommands, directly from the terminal or even in a web browser. It also enables exploration of the extensive list of available Git subcommands, guides, and configuration variables. By understanding how to use git help effectively, users can enhance their workflow and resolve issues more independently.

Display help about a specific Git subcommand

Code:

git help subcommand

Motivation:

When working with Git, you will often need to use various subcommands, each serving different purposes, such as committing changes, merging branches, or inspecting logs. If you’re unfamiliar with how to use a specific Git subcommand, accessing the help documentation for that subcommand can be immensely beneficial. It provides detailed syntax, options, and examples, ensuring you apply the subcommand correctly.

Explanation:

• git help: This is the main command used to access the help system.
• subcommand: Replace subcommand with the specific Git subcommand you want to learn more about. For example, if you wish to learn about the commit subcommand, you would use git help commit.

Example Output:

Upon executing git help commit, the output will display a detailed explanation of the commit command, including a description of its purpose, a breakdown of its options and flags, and usage examples to illustrate its functionality.

Display help about a specific Git subcommand in a web browser

Code:

git help --web subcommand

Motivation:

Sometimes, a richer media format can be more helpful when trying to understand complex commands. A web page can offer better navigation, scrolling, and search functionality, enhancing how you consume documentation. Viewing help in a web browser is particularly advantageous if you prefer a graphical interface over the terminal’s text output.

Explanation:

• git help: The command used to access help information.
• --web: A flag that indicates the help information should open in a web browser.
• subcommand: Specify the subcommand you wish to explore in the web documentation, such as merge or checkout.

Example Output:

Using git help --web merge will open the Git documentation for the merge subcommand in your default web browser, presenting you with a comprehensive, navigable guide complete with sections, examples, and links to related topics.

Display a list of all available Git subcommands

Code:

git help --all

Motivation:

Git is a versatile tool with numerous subcommands for various functions ranging from modifications of repositories to history inspection. Listing all available subcommands allows users to discover functionalities they might not be aware of. It serves as a stepping stone for exploring Git’s full potential and aids in increasing one’s proficiency in using the tool.

Explanation:

• git help: This main command accesses Git’s help system.
• --all: A flag that instructs Git to display every available subcommand.

Example Output:

Executing git help --all provides a comprehensive list of Git subcommands, separated into categories like main commands, ancillary commands, and more. This list helps users understand the breadth of actions that Git can perform and encourages exploration of lesser-known features.

List the available guides

Code:

git help --guide

Motivation:

For users who wish to deepen their understanding of Git, guides offer extended tutorials and in-depth explanations of various concepts and workflows. These guides can range from basic concepts to advanced topics, making them suitable for users at any skill level aiming to bolster their Git skills comprehensively.

Explanation:

• git help: Used to access the extensive help resources provided by Git.
• --guide: A flag that requests a list of guides available within the Git documentation.

Example Output:

After running git help --guide, a list of topics such as “Everyday Git,” “Git glossary,” and “Git Internals” will be presented. Each guide is tailored to provide a thorough understanding of different areas of Git usage and theory.

List all possible configuration variables

Code:

git help --config

Motivation:

Git configurations are crucial for customizing and optimizing your Git environment. Knowing the available configuration variables is important for users who want to tailor their Git setup for efficiency, security, and personal preference. By viewing all configuration variables, users can discover options they may not have considered, potentially improving their development workflow.

Explanation:

• git help: Launches the Git help system.
• --config: A flag that requests a detailed list of all configuration variables acknowledged by Git.

Example Output:

Executing git help --config will yield a detailed list of configuration variables, grouped into categories such as core, user, and remote settings. Each variable will typically include a description and potential values, enabling users to understand and apply configurations effectively.

Conclusion:

The git help command is more than just a manual—it is a gateway to mastering Git. Each aspect, from accessing specific subcommand help to the listing of all configurations, enhances a user’s ability to navigate and leverage Git’s powerful toolset effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the utilization of git help, you can become more independent, skilled, and efficient in managing version control in your projects.