Description: Git Stash is a command in the Git version control system that allows you to temporarily store changes made in your working copy. This is especially useful when you need to change context and work on another branch without committing your current changes. By using Git Stash, you can save your in-progress work and return to a clean state of your repository, making it easier to manage multiple tasks or bug fixes. This command creates a ‘stash’ that acts as a temporary storage space, allowing you to retrieve those changes later. Git Stash is an essential tool for developers working on complex projects, as it helps them keep their workflow organized and efficient. Additionally, it is a feature that encourages collaboration, as it allows developers to switch between different tasks without losing the progress made on each one.
History: Git was created by Linus Torvalds in 2005 in response to the need for a distributed version control system for the development of the Linux kernel. Git Stash was introduced in later versions as a feature to facilitate the management of temporary changes. While there is no exact date for its implementation, it has become a fundamental tool in the workflow of many developers since its inclusion.
Uses: Git Stash is primarily used to save uncommitted changes when a developer needs to switch branches or work contexts. It allows users to keep their in-progress work without needing to make a commit, which can be useful to avoid a cluttered commit history. It is also helpful for making quick tests or bug fixes without losing current work.
Examples: A practical example of Git Stash would be when a developer is working on a new feature and receives an urgent notice to fix a bug in the main branch. Instead of committing incomplete changes, the developer can use ‘git stash’ to save their current work, switch to the main branch, make the fix, and then return to their original branch and retrieve the changes with ‘git stash apply.’
