Git GitLab Branch
Create a Branch
GitHub
Bitbucket
GitLabNote: The GitLab screenshots on this page show the default branch as master.
GitLab now names the default branch main, so you will see main where the screenshots show master.
On GitLab, access your repository and click the "main" branch button.
There you can create a new Branch. Click "New branch":
Type a descriptive name, and click "Create Branch":
The branch should now be created and active.
You can confirm which branch you are working on by looking at the branch button.
See that it now says "html-skeleton" instead of "main"?
Start working on an existing file in this branch. Click the "index.html" file and start editing:
If you are happy with the change, add a comment that explains what you did, and click Commit changes.
You now have a new branch on GitLab, updated with some changes!
Switch Branch
To switch to another branch in GitLab's web interface, click the branch dropdown and select the branch you want to work on.
To switch branches using the command line:
Example
git switch branch-nameDelete Branch
To delete a branch on GitLab, go to the branches page, find your branch, and click the delete icon (trash can).
To delete a branch using the command line:
Example
git branch -d branch-nameTo delete a remote branch:
Example
git push origin --delete branch-nameRename Branch
To rename a branch using the command line:
Example
git branch -m old-name new-nameMerge Branch
To merge a branch into another on GitLab, open a Merge Request and follow the prompts to merge.
To merge using the command line:
Example
git merge branch-nameView Branches
To see all branches in your repository on GitLab, click the branch dropdown at the top of the file list.
To view branches using the command line:
Example
git branchProtected Branches
Some branches (like main) may be protected, meaning you cannot delete or force-push to them without special permissions. This helps prevent accidental changes to important branches.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot delete branch: Make sure the branch is not protected or the default branch.
- Merge conflicts: Resolve conflicts locally, then push and merge again.
- Branch not visible: Refresh the page or check your permissions.
