Computer Science: Git & Version Control

Which Git command initializes a new, empty repository in the current directory?

git init

What command is used to create a local copy of an existing remote repository?

git clone

What is the purpose of the .gitignore file in a project?

To specify intentionally untracked files that Git should ignore, such as build artifacts, logs, or sensitive environment variables.

Which command moves changes from the working directory to the staging area (index)?

git add

What command creates a new branch named 'dev' without switching the current working directory to it?

git branch dev

Explain the fundamental difference between 'git push' and 'git pull'.

git push uploads local repository commits to a remote repository, while git pull fetches changes from a remote and merges them into the local branch.

How does 'git fetch' differ from 'git pull'?

git fetch downloads objects and refs from a remote repository without modifying the local working state, whereas git pull performs a fetch followed immediately by a git merge.

What does the 'HEAD' pointer represent in a Git repository?

HEAD is a reference to the current checked-out commit or branch tip that the working directory is currently reflecting.

Describe a 'fast-forward' merge and when it occurs.

A fast-forward merge occurs when the target branch has no new commits since the source branch diverged, allowing Git to simply move the branch pointer forward to the source's tip.

What is the primary function of 'git stash'?

To temporarily save (shelf) uncommitted changes in the working directory so the user can switch branches without losing work or committing incomplete code.