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Discover what happens when you create a new branch in `git`, why files are copied, and how to create a truly clean branch.
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Understanding git Branch Creation: Why Files are Copied from Other Branches

If you’ve ever created a branch in git only to find that it shows files from other branches, you're not alone. This confusion often arises for users who are accustomed to starting repositories from scratch, where every addition feels fresh. Let’s dive into understanding why this happens and how you can manage your branches effectively.

The Problem: Unwanted Files in New Branches

Many git users have encountered an issue where creating a new branch seems to 'copy' existing files from previous branches, leading to a cluttered workspace. Here’s what typically occurs:

Command Used: You create a new branch using:

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

Expected Outcome: You want a clean branch that has no files from any other branch.

Actual Outcome: Despite your efforts, you find that the new branch still contains files from your current branch.

This leads to confusion and the potential for errors when managing projects.

Understanding git Branching

To clarify how git branching works, here are some key points:

Branch Creation: The command git checkout -b <branch-name> creates a new branch based on your current commit point. This means it references the state and files of the current branch at that moment.

File Reference, Not Duplication: Importantly, git does not copy files to a new branch; instead, it references them. Only when changes are made in the new branch will those files change, creating new objects while keeping references to the original files intact.

What You Need to Know:

If creating a branch with no files is truly what you're after, a fresh start is required:

Creating a New Repository: Use the command:

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

This will start a brand new git repository, entirely separate from the existing one.

Alternatively, if you wish to have a branch without any files currently present, you will need to remove those files manually:

After creating the branch, use:

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

Be cautious, as this modifies your new branch's state and can complicate merges later.

The Purpose of Branching

It's essential to grasp that the core intention of branching in git is to allow for separate lines of development based on existing work. Here are the highlights:

Branching for Development: Branches are meant for experimentation and making changes without impacting the original codebase. You can later merge changes back into the original branch once they’re tested or validated.

Keeping a Structured Workflow: Understanding that branches inherit the current state of your code allows for a more organized workflow. Each branch serves as a point for either new feature development, fixes, or testing.

Conclusion

By grasping how git branches function, particularly the way files are managed, you'll enhance your ability to work effectively within your codebase. When you create a new branch, it’s typically based on existing files and the last commit you made, allowing you to build upon or diverge from previous work seamlessly.

Don't hesitate to utilize the correct commands for your needs, and remember that with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to managing branches and their contents.

Embrace the potential of git branching, and you'll find it a powerful ally in your development processes!