How to use the Git Branching Visualizer
- 1. Pick a scenarioStart from a feature branch, hotfix or fast-forward example, or type your own.
- 2. Draw the graphEach line runs like Git would, with real error messages for mistakes.
- 3. Study the pictureFollow the lanes and download the graph for notes or slides.
Reading the feature-branch example
The first scenario makes two commits on main, creates feature/login, adds two commits there, goes back to main for a footer fix and then merges the feature. Because both branches moved, Git cannot fast-forward, so it creates a merge commit with two parents, drawn as a hollow circle. The summary reads 6 commits, 2 branches and 1 merge commit, with HEAD on main and the tag v1.0 on the merge.
Choose the fast-forward example to see the other case: main has no new commits, so merge topic simply moves main's pointer and no merge commit appears. The log beside the graph prints a line for each step, such as Fast-forward main.
Supported commands and limits
commit -m "message"adds a commit on the current branch.branch NAME,switch -c NAMEandcheckout -b NAMEcreate branches.switch NAMEandcheckout NAMEmove HEAD.merge NAMEfast-forwards when possible, otherwise creates a merge commit; it says Already up to date when nothing is new.tag NAMEmarks the current commit.
Rebase, reset, cherry-pick and remotes are not simulated. The seven-character IDs are made-up short hashes for the picture; real Git hashes depend on the content and history. Practise the real commands with the Git commands cheat sheet and test yourself with the Git MCQ quiz.
Frequently asked questions
Does this connect to my repository?
No. It is a simulation in your browser, so you can experiment without breaking anything.
Why do my branch names show an error?
Git does not allow names with .., a trailing slash, spaces or a leading hyphen. The tool applies the same rules.
Is the Git Branching Visualizer free?
Yes, the Git Branching Visualizer is free. The first time you draw your first graph, you are asked for your name and WhatsApp number once. After that, this and every other Uncodemy tool opens straight away without the form.