How to list All Files in a Commit in Git?
Last Updated :
21 May, 2024
Working with Git, it's often essential to inspect the contents of your commits. Whether you need to review changes, debug issues, or understand the history of your project, knowing how to list all files in a commit is a fundamental skill. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to list all files in a commit in Git, providing you with the tools to manage your codebase effectively.
Understanding Git Commits
A Git commit is a snapshot of the project's files at a specific point in time. Each commit is identified by a unique hash (also known as the commit ID), which allows you to reference and inspect the changes made in that commit. To list all files in a commit, you will use the commit ID to access the details of that particular commit.
Why List Files in a Commit?
Listing all files in a commit is useful for several reasons:
- Review Changes: Understand what was added, modified, or deleted in a specific commit.
- Debugging: Identify changes that may have introduced bugs.
- Code Review: Facilitate thorough code reviews by examining all affected files.
- Project History: Track the evolution of your project by inspecting historical commits.
The methods to List Files in a Commit are as:
Using git show
The 'git show' command is one of the simplest ways to list files in a commit. It displays the commit details, including the list of changed files.
git show --name-only <commit-hash>
Replace <commit-hash>' with the actual commit hash you want to inspect. This command outputs the commit message and a list of files changed in that commit.
Using git diff-tree
The git diff-tree command provides detailed information about the commit, including the file paths.
git diff-tree --no-commit-id --name-only -r <commit-hash>
- --no-commit-id: Suppresses the commit ID output.
- --name-only: Displays only the names of files that changed.
- -r: Recursively lists all files, including those in subdirectories.
Using git log
You can also use the `git log` command to list files in a commit by specifying a pretty format.
git log --pretty=format: --name-only -n 1 <commit-hash>
--pretty=format: Ensures only file names are shown, omitting commit messages.
-n 1: Limits the output to a single commit.
Using git diff
For comparing commits, the `git diff` command can be used. This is especially useful for examining changes between two commits.
git diff --name-only <commit-hash>^ <commit-hash>
This command shows the names of files changed in the given commit by comparing it to its parent.
Conclusion
Listing all files in a commit in Git is a straightforward task that can be accomplished using a few different commands. Each method has its own advantages, and the choice of which one to use can depend on your specific needs and workflow. By understanding and utilizing these commands, you can gain better insights into your project's history and changes, ultimately enhancing your productivity as a developer.
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