How to use the command git repl (with examples)

Git REPL (read-evaluate-print-loop) is an interactive Git shell that is part of the git-extras package. It provides a convenient way to interact with Git commands and run external commands within the Git shell. This article will illustrate several use cases of the git repl command.

Use case 1: Start an interactive Git shell

Code:

git repl

Motivation:

Starting an interactive Git shell allows you to directly interact with Git commands without having to switch between the command line and the repository. It provides a streamlined workflow for executing Git commands, making it easier to explore and manipulate the repository.

Explanation:

The git repl command starts an interactive Git shell. Once the shell is started, you can enter Git commands directly without prefixing them with git.

Example output:

git repl
> add file.txt
> commit -m "Added file.txt"
> status

Use case 2: Run a Git command while in the interactive Git shell

Code:

git_subcommand command_arguments

Motivation:

Running a Git command while in the interactive Git shell allows you to perform specific Git operations without leaving the shell. This can be useful when you want to quickly execute a series of Git commands without the need to repeatedly type git before each command.

Explanation:

To run a Git command while in the interactive Git shell, simply enter the command without the git prefix. For example, to run the checkout command, you would enter checkout branch_name.

Example output:

git repl
> add file.txt
> commit -m "Added file.txt"
> checkout branch_name
> status

Use case 3: Run an external (non-Git) command while in the interactive Git shell

Code:

!command command_arguments

Motivation:

Running an external command while in the interactive Git shell allows you to execute any shell command within the Git shell itself. This can be useful when you need to perform operations outside of Git, such as running a script or executing a system command.

Explanation:

To run an external command while in the interactive Git shell, prefix the command with !. For example, to run a shell script named script.sh, you would enter !./script.sh.

Example output:

git repl
> add file.txt
> commit -m "Added file.txt"
> !ls -l

Use case 4: Exit the interactive Git shell

Code:

exit

Motivation:

Exiting the interactive Git shell allows you to return to the regular command line interface. This can be useful when you have completed your Git operations and no longer need to interact with the Git shell.

Explanation:

To exit the interactive Git shell, simply enter exit or press Ctrl + D.

Example output:

git repl
> add file.txt
> commit -m "Added file.txt"
> exit

Conclusion

The git repl command provides an interactive Git shell that allows you to streamline your Git workflow. It allows you to start an interactive shell, run Git commands, execute external commands, and exit the shell when you are done. By using the examples provided in this article, you can enhance your Git experience and make it more efficient.