How to see diff between two branches in git is a crucial skill for any developer working with Git. Whether you’re merging branches, resolving conflicts, or simply curious about the differences between two branches, being able to view the diff is essential. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to view the diff between two branches in Git, including using the command line, graphical interfaces, and online tools.
One of the most straightforward ways to view the diff between two branches in Git is by using the command line. To do this, open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to your Git repository. Then, use the following command:
“`bash
git diff
“`
This command will display the differences between the two specified branches. If you want to see the diff in a more detailed format, you can use the `–stat` option:
“`bash
git diff –stat
“`
This option will provide a summary of the changes, including the number of added, deleted, and modified lines for each file.
Another way to view the diff between two branches is by using Git’s graphical interface, such as GitKraken, Sourcetree, or TortoiseGit. These tools offer a user-friendly interface for viewing diffs, and many of them also provide features like inline diff and graphical representation of changes.
For example, in GitKraken, you can view the diff between two branches by clicking on the branches in the repository view. A diff window will open, showing the differences between the selected branches. You can then navigate through the changes using the arrows or by selecting a specific file.
In Sourcetree, you can view the diff between two branches by right-clicking on the branch name and selecting “Compare.” This will open a diff window where you can compare the two branches and see the changes.
Lastly, you can use online tools to view the diff between two branches in Git. Websites like GitCompare or GitDiffNow allow you to paste the commit hashes or branch names you want to compare, and they will display the diff for you. These tools are convenient if you need to view the diff on a different computer or if you’re working with a shared repository.
In conclusion, there are several methods to view the diff between two branches in Git, including using the command line, graphical interfaces, and online tools. Whether you prefer the command line’s simplicity, the convenience of a graphical interface, or the accessibility of online tools, knowing how to see the diff between two branches in Git is a valuable skill for any developer.
