Скачать или смотреть How to Use git diff to View Unchanged Lines in Your Code

Discover how to find lines in Git that have not been modified or removed using various tools and commands.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/63775527/ asked by the user 'Savvas Parastatidis' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/2947987/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/63775598/ provided by the user 'Alex Vermeulen' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/11202211/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Understanding the Need for Git Diff on Unchanged Lines

When working with version control systems like Git, being able to understand what has changed in your code is essential. Typically, developers use the git diff command to see lines that have been modified or removed. However, sometimes you might need to know which lines remain unchanged as a point of reference. This guide will delve into the methods and tools you can use to achieve this.

The Challenge: Finding Unchanged Lines

You may find yourself in a situation where you want to identify the lines of code that have not been modified. This need might stem from various scenarios, such as reviewing a colleague's changes or ensuring that specific parts of your codebase remain intact during refactoring. Unfortunately, Git does not provide a straightforward command to explicitly show unchanged lines. But fear not, as there are still options available.

Methods to Identify Unchanged Lines

1. Using Git Diff with Highlighting

While git diff itself is designed to show changes, you can use Git tools with graphical interfaces to help visualize unchanged lines. One such tool is TortoiseGit, a popular Windows-based Git interface. Here's how you can use TortoiseGit:

Install TortoiseGit: If you haven't installed it yet, download and install TortoiseGit from its official website.

Open the Diff Tool: Simply right-click on your repository folder and select the option to show the diff.

View Changes: In the diff viewer, lines that remain unchanged will be displayed alongside modified lines. While the unchanged lines are not highlighted, you can simply focus on what's highlighted to differentiate modified sections from the static ones.

2. Using Command Line Scripts

If you prefer working in the command line, you can use scripts and commands creatively to display unchanged lines:

Create a Temporary Branch: Start by creating a temporary branch with the command:

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Reset Changes: Revert the changes in this branch to the last commit using:

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Compare Changes: Now switch back to your original branch where changes exist, and run:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command highlights modified files, allowing you to compare lines as necessary.

3. Manual Comparison

In cases where the graphical tool and command line aren’t available, you can always manually review unchanged lines by:

Copying your file prior to changes.

Manually comparing it with the modified version.

While this method is less efficient, it remains a valid approach for small changes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while git diff excels at highlighting changes, it doesn't conveniently showcase unchanged lines on its own. Tools like TortoiseGit can help visualize this alongside modification highlights, while command line methods, though slightly more involved, offer alternatives to uncover unchanged text. If you find yourself often needing to reference unchanged lines, consider integrating visual diff tools into your workflow for a more streamlined process.

By understanding these methods, you’re not only enhancing your Git skills but also developing a deeper insight into your code’s history. Next time you work on a project, keep these techniques in your toolkit to ensure your coding practices remain sharp.