How to Show Branch Name in Terminal
In the world of version control, particularly with Git, keeping track of the branches you are working on is crucial. The terminal, being a powerful tool for interacting with Git repositories, allows you to easily display the branch name you are currently on. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, knowing how to show branch name in terminal can greatly enhance your workflow. In this article, we will explore various methods to achieve this.
Using Git Bash
If you are using Git Bash on Windows, you can simply type the following command in your terminal:
“`
git branch
“`
This command will list all the branches in your repository, along with an asterisk () next to the branch you are currently on. For example:
“`
master
develop
feature/new-feature
“`
In this output, the “master” branch is marked with an asterisk, indicating that it is the active branch.
Using Git Prompt
Git Prompt is a popular tool that enhances your terminal experience by providing useful information, including the current branch name. To install Git Prompt, follow these steps:
1. Clone the Git Prompt repository:
“`
git clone https://github.com/git/git-prompt.git ~/.git-prompt
“`
2. Add the following line to your `.bashrc` or `.bash_profile` file:
“`
source ~/.git-prompt/git-prompt.sh
“`
3. Restart your terminal or run the following command to apply the changes:
“`
source ~/.bashrc
“`
Now, when you open your terminal, you will see the current branch name at the end of the prompt. For example:
“`
$ git branch
master
develop
feature/new-feature
“`
Using Git CLI
If you are using the Git Command Line Interface (CLI) on Linux or macOS, you can use the following command to show the branch name:
“`
git branch –show-current
“`
This command will print the name of the current branch to the terminal. For example:
“`
$ git branch –show-current
master
“`
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed various methods to show the branch name in the terminal. Whether you are using Git Bash, Git Prompt, or the Git CLI, these methods can help you keep track of your branches and improve your workflow. By knowing how to show branch name in terminal, you will be better equipped to manage your Git repositories efficiently.
