git-switch

Switch to an existing branch

$ git switch [branch_name]

$ git switch [[-c|--create]] [branch_name]

$ git switch [[-c|--create]] [branch_name] [commit]

$ git switch -

$ git switch --recurse-submodules [branch_name]

$ git switch [[-m|--merge]] [branch_name]

$ git switch [[-d|--detach]] [tag]

git switch [options] [<branch>]
git switch --detach [<commit>]

-c
    Create new branch pointing to current HEAD

-C
    Force create or reset branch to current HEAD

--detach, -d [<commit>]
    Switch to commit in detached HEAD state

--discard-changes
    Discard local changes when switching

--force, -f
    Force overwrite local changes

-m, --merge-or-continue
    Continue switch despite merge conflicts

--merge, -m
    Abort if merge would overwrite uncommitted changes

-q, --quiet
    Suppress output messages

--recurse-submodules
    Update submodules to match target

--no-recurse-submodules
    Do not update submodules

-P, --track
    Set upstream for new branch

The git switch command switches branches and restores working tree files, serving as a safer alternative to git checkout for branch switching. It refuses to overwrite uncommitted changes unless explicitly allowed, preventing accidental data loss. Use it to move between branches, create new ones from the current HEAD, or switch to a specific commit in detached HEAD state.

Key features include creating branches with -c or force-creating/resetting with -C. It supports discarding local changes with --discard-changes and handles merge conflicts during switches with -m. Unlike git checkout, it does not support checking out specific paths; use git restore for that.

This command promotes safer workflows by separating branch switching from file restoration, reducing errors in daily Git usage. Ideal for developers managing multiple branches without risking uncommitted work.

Does not support path checkout; use git restore. May fail on uncommitted changes unless forced. Limited submodule handling by default.

git switch main — switch to main branch.
git switch -c feature-branch — create and switch to new branch.

Switching to a commit with --detach leaves HEAD detached; create a branch to commit safely.

Introduced in Git 2.23.0 (August 2019) as a safer branch-switching porcelain command. Developed to split git checkout's dual role, pairing with git restore for file operations. Evolved in later versions with improved merge handling and submodule support.

git checkout(1), git branch(1), git restore(1), git status(1)