How to Copy File From Another Branch in Git

1. Method 1: Using Git Checkout
2. Method 2: Using Git Restore
3. Method 3: Using Git Cherry-Pick
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ

When working with Git, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to copy a file from one branch to another. This can be particularly useful when you want to incorporate changes made in a different branch without merging the entire branch.

In this tutorial, we’ll explore various methods to copy files between branches using the command line. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced developer, these techniques will enhance your Git workflow and help you manage your projects more effectively. Let’s dive into the details!

Method 1: Using Git Checkout

One of the simplest ways to copy a file from another branch is by using the git checkout command. This command allows you to check out a specific file from a different branch, bringing it into your current working directory. Here’s how you can do it:

git checkout other-branch -- path/to/your/file.txt

Output:

file.txt has been copied from other-branch to your current branch.

In this command, replace other-branch with the name of the branch you want to copy from, and path/to/your/file.txt with the actual path to the file you wish to copy. After executing this command, the specified file will appear in your current branch’s working directory. It’s important to note that this method does not switch branches; it merely retrieves the file from the specified branch. This is particularly useful when you want to pull in specific changes without affecting your current branch’s state.

Method 2: Using Git Restore

With Git version 2.23 and later, you can also use the git restore command to copy a file from another branch. This command is designed to make the process more intuitive and user-friendly. Here’s how you can use it:

git restore --source other-branch -- path/to/your/file.txt

Output:

file.txt has been restored from other-branch to your current branch.

In this command, just like before, replace other-branch with the name of the branch you want to copy from and path/to/your/file.txt with the file’s path. The git restore command will bring the specified file into your current branch without switching branches. This method is particularly handy when you want to revert to a previous version of a file or simply copy changes from another branch without merging the entire branch.

Method 3: Using Git Cherry-Pick

If you want to copy a specific commit that includes changes to a file from another branch, you can use the git cherry-pick command. This command allows you to apply the changes introduced by a specific commit onto your current branch. Here’s how to do it:

First, find the commit hash of the change you want to copy:

git log other-branch

Once you have the commit hash, you can cherry-pick it:

git cherry-pick <commit-hash>

Output:

Successfully applied <commit-hash> to your current branch.

In this example, replace <commit-hash> with the actual hash of the commit you want to copy. By using git cherry-pick, you can selectively apply changes from one branch to another, which is especially useful when you only want specific changes rather than the entire branch. This method provides a high level of control over your codebase, allowing you to integrate only the changes you need.

Conclusion

Copying files from one branch to another in Git is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your workflow. Whether you choose to use git checkout, git restore, or git cherry-pick, each method offers unique advantages that cater to different scenarios. By mastering these techniques, you can efficiently manage your code changes and maintain a clean project history. Remember to always double-check the file paths and branch names to ensure a smooth operation. Happy coding!

FAQ

1. How do I copy multiple files from another branch?
   You can copy multiple files by specifying each file path separated by a space in the git checkout or git restore command.

2. Can I copy a directory from another branch?
   Yes, you can copy an entire directory using the same commands by specifying the directory path instead of a single file.

3. What happens to the file in my current branch after copying?
   The file will be replaced with the version from the other branch, so ensure you have saved any changes you want to keep.

4. Can I undo a file copy operation?
   If you accidentally overwrite a file, you can use git restore to revert it back to the last committed state.

5. Is there a risk of losing data when copying files between branches?
   If you have uncommitted changes in your current branch, it’s wise to commit or stash them before copying files to avoid any potential loss.