Step-by-Step Guide- Creating a New Branch in GitHub Directly from Your Terminal

How to Create a New Branch in GitHub from Terminal

Creating a new branch in GitHub is an essential skill for any developer who uses the platform. Whether you’re working on a feature, fixing a bug, or preparing for a release, branches allow you to work on different aspects of your project without affecting the main codebase. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a new branch in GitHub using the terminal.

Step 1: Clone the Repository

Before you can create a new branch, you need to have the repository cloned on your local machine. Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where you want to clone the repository. Then, use the following command to clone the repository:

“`
git clone
“`

Replace `` with the actual URL of the GitHub repository you want to clone.

Step 2: Navigate to the Repository Directory

Once the repository is cloned, navigate to the repository directory using the `cd` command:

“`
cd
“`

Replace `` with the name of your local repository directory.

Step 3: Create a New Branch

To create a new branch, use the `git checkout -b` command followed by the name of the new branch. For example, to create a branch named `feature/new-feature`, run the following command:

“`
git checkout -b feature/new-feature
“`

This command creates a new branch and switches to it in one go.

Step 4: Verify the New Branch

After creating the new branch, you can verify its creation by running the `git branch` command. This command lists all the branches in your local repository, and you should see the new branch listed:

“`
git branch
“`

Step 5: Make Changes and Commit

Now that you have a new branch, you can start making changes to your code. Once you’re done, commit your changes using the `git commit` command:

“`
git commit -m “Your commit message”
“`

Replace `”Your commit message”` with a description of the changes you made.

Step 6: Push the Branch to GitHub

To share your new branch with others or to create a pull request, you need to push it to the GitHub repository. Use the following command to push the branch to the remote repository:

“`
git push origin feature/new-feature
“`

Replace `origin` with the name of your remote repository, and `feature/new-feature` with the name of your local branch.

Conclusion

Creating a new branch in GitHub from the terminal is a straightforward process that allows you to work on different aspects of your project without affecting the main codebase. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your branches and collaborate with others on GitHub.