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What is `git stash`?

GitMiddle~1 min read
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git stash is a mechanism for temporarily saving uncommitted changes to clean the working directory and bring those changes back later.

What git stash does

The command:

bash
git stash

Git:

  • saves changes from the working directory and staging area into temporary storage
  • clears the working directory
  • returns the repository to the state of the last commit

Changes are not lost and do not become part of the commit history.

Why git stash is needed

git stash is used when you need to:

  • temporarily switch to another branch
  • postpone unfinished work
  • quickly clean the working directory without a commit

Main operations

bash
git stash # save changes git stash list # list saved stashes git stash apply # apply a stash (without removing it) git stash pop # apply and remove a stash git stash drop # remove a stash

What is important to know

  • a stash is stored locally
  • a stash is not a commit
  • a stash is not transferred via push
  • multiple stashes can be kept

A key phrasing for an interview

git stash lets you temporarily save uncommitted changes and clean the working directory, so you can later bring those changes back without creating a commit.

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