Commit

Git Objects

Git objects are fundamental units of storage in Git, representing various elements like commits, trees (directories), and blobs (file contents), each identified by a unique SHA-1 hash. These objects are immutable and form the backbone of Git’s version control system....

Blob (Binary Large Object)

A Git blob is a snapshot of a file’s content without metadata, identified by a unique SHA-1 hash....

Tree

A Git tree is like a folder in a file system, organizing blobs (files) and sub-trees (subdirectories)....

Commit:

A Git commit captures a snapshot of the project’s state at a specific time. It includes metadata such as author details, timestamp, and a descriptive message....

Git Data Model

Git stores data in a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure, where commits form the nodes and parent-child relationships represent the history of changes. Each commit points to a tree object that represents the snapshot of files at that particular moment....

The Process of Creating a Git Repository

Step 1: This step involves creating the .git directory in your working directory. When you run git init, Git creates several subdirectories within the .git directory, each serving a specific purpose....

Git Workflow:

New Repository: Initialize a new Git repository using git init to start tracking changes in your project directory....

Branching

Create a new branch using git branch ....

Plumbing and Porcelain Commands in Git

Plumbing Commands: These are low-level commands that directly manipulate Git’s internal data structures. They are designed for scripting and automation and are less user-friendly. Porcelain Commands: These are high-level commands that provide a more user-friendly interface for common Git operations. They abstract away the complexities of Git’s internals and are easier to use for everyday tasks....

Creating a Repository from Scratch Using Plumbing Commands

By using plumbing commands, we can create a Git repository from scratch, without relying on commands like git init, git add, or git commit. This exercise will help us deepen our understanding of Git’s internals....

Working with Branches Using Plumbing Commands

Using plumbing commands in Git, you can create branches by manually creating files under .git/refs/heads with commit hashes, and switch between branches by modifying the HEAD file to point to the desired branch....

Conclusion

Understanding the internals of Git enables you to utilize its features more effectively and troubleshoot problems with ease. This guide has provided a deep dive into Git’s internals, explaining the core concepts and illustrating how you can use plumbing commands to create a repository and work with branches....