Git flashcards, generated for you.

Creates a new `.git` directory in the current folder, initializing a local Git repository and enabling version control for that project.

`git add` stages changes to the index (staging area); `git commit` records staged changes to the repository history with a message. You must add before commit.

An intermediate layer between your working directory and repository. It lets you selectively stage specific changes before committing, enabling atomic, logical commits instead of committing everything at once.

`git checkout` switches to a branch. Modern alternative is `git switch <branch>` (Git 2.23+), which is clearer. Checkout also reverts files, causing confusion—use `git restore <file>` for that instead.

`git merge` creates a merge commit combining two branches, preserving history. `git rebase` replays commits from one branch onto another, creating a linear history (rewrites commits).

A state where HEAD points directly to a commit instead of a branch. Caused by checking out a specific commit, tag, or remote branch. Risk: commits made here may become orphaned if you switch branches without creating a new branch first.

`git fetch` downloads objects and refs from a remote without modifying your working directory. `git pull` = `git fetch` + `git merge` (or `git rebase`), automatically integrating remote changes into your current branch.

Force push rewrites remote history, potentially losing others' commits and causing conflicts for collaborators. Justified only on personal branches or with team agreement (e.g., cleaning up local-only feature branches before deletion).

`git reflog` logs all reference updates (commits, resets, checkouts) even if not reachable from any branch. Use it to find the SHA of a lost commit after an accidental reset, then `git checkout <sha>` or branch from it.

If you modify a file *after* staging it, both the staged and unstaged versions exist. `git status` shows the unstaged changes. Run `git add` again to stage the latest version, or `git diff --staged` to see what's actually committed.