git checkout Command Guide

# Switch to an existing branch
git checkout main

# Create and switch to new branch
git checkout -b feature-x

# Discard changes in a file
git checkout -- src/app.js

# Switch to existing branch
git checkout develop

# Create and switch to new branch
git checkout -b feature/login

# Create branch from specific commit
git checkout -b hotfix abc1234

# Switch to previous branch
git checkout -

# Track and checkout remote branch
git checkout --track origin/feature-x

# Discard changes in working directory
git checkout -- file.js

# Restore file from specific commit
git checkout abc1234 -- file.js

# Restore file from another branch
git checkout main -- src/config.js

# Restore all files in directory
git checkout -- src/

# Restore to HEAD (same as --)
git checkout HEAD -- file.js

# Checkout a specific commit (detached HEAD)
git checkout abc1234

# Checkout a tag
git checkout v1.0.0

# Go back N commits
git checkout HEAD~3

# View the detached state warning
# "You are in 'detached HEAD' state..."

# Create a branch to save work in detached HEAD
git checkout -b new-branch-name

# Old way (checkout does everything)
git checkout main              # Switch branch
git checkout -b feature        # Create and switch
git checkout -- file.js        # Restore file

# New way (separate commands)
git switch main                # Switch branch
git switch -c feature          # Create and switch
git restore file.js            # Restore file

# Start new feature
git checkout -b feature/payment

# Quick switch between main and feature
git checkout main
git checkout -   # Back to feature

# Discard all local changes
git checkout -- .

# Get file from main branch
git checkout main -- package.json

# Explore old version without committing
git checkout v1.0.0
# ... look around ...
git checkout main  # Return