Mastering Git- A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Default Branch in Command Line
How to Change Default Branch in Git Command Line
Managing branches in Git is an essential part of version control, allowing developers to work on different features or bug fixes independently. The default branch in Git is often referred to as the “main” branch, but it can be changed to suit your project’s needs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the default branch in Git command line.
Understanding the Default Branch
Before diving into the command line, it’s important to understand the concept of the default branch. The default branch is the branch that is checked out when you run the `git checkout` command without specifying a branch name. By default, Git uses the “main” branch, but this can be customized according to your project’s requirements.
Changing the Default Branch
To change the default branch in Git, you need to modify the `.git/config` file, which stores the configuration settings for your Git repository. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to your project’s directory using the `cd` command.
3. Run the following command to edit the `.git/config` file:
“`
git config –global core.defaultBranch
“`
Replace `
Example
Suppose you want to set the “feature” branch as the default branch. Run the following command:
“`
git config –global core.defaultBranch feature
“`
Verifying the Change
After setting the new default branch, you can verify the change by running the following command:
“`
git config –global –get core.defaultBranch
“`
This command will display the current default branch name, which should now be the one you set.
Conclusion
Changing the default branch in Git command line is a straightforward process that can be done by modifying the `.git/config` file. By customizing the default branch, you can ensure that your team members and contributors are working on the intended branch, making your project management more efficient.
