Git Interview Questions & Answers

1. What is Git?

Git is a distributed version control system used to track changes in source code during software development.

2. What is GitHub?

GitHub is a cloud-based platform used to host Git repositories and collaborate on projects.

3. What is the difference between Git and GitHub?

GitGitHub
Version control toolHosting platform
Works locallyWorks online
Tracks code changesEnables collaboration

4. What is a repository in Git?

A repository is a storage location that contains project files and version history.

5. What is a local repository and remote repository?

Local RepositoryRemote Repository
Stored on local machineStored on server/GitHub
Used for local workUsed for team collaboration

6. What is a commit in Git?

A commit is a snapshot of changes saved to the repository.

Example:

git commit -m "Added login feature"

7. What is the difference between git pull and git fetch?

git pullgit fetch
Fetches and merges changesOnly downloads changes
Updates local branch automaticallyDoes not merge automatically

8. What is the difference between git merge and git rebase?

git mergegit rebase
Combines branches with merge commitRewrites commit history
Preserves historyCreates cleaner history

9. What is branching in Git?

Branching allows developers to work on features independently without affecting the main code.

10. What is a merge conflict?

A merge conflict occurs when Git cannot automatically merge changes from different branches.

11. How do you resolve merge conflicts in Git?

Steps:

  1. Open conflicted files
  2. Edit and resolve conflicts
  3. Save files
  4. Run : git add & git commit

12. What is Git staging area?

The staging area is an intermediate area where changes are prepared before committing.

13. What is the use of git add command?

It adds changes to the staging area.

Example:

git add file.txt

14. What is the use of git commit command?

It saves staged changes into the repository history.

15. What is the use of git push command?

It uploads local commits to the remote repository.

Example:

git push origin main

16. What is the use of git clone command?

It copies an existing remote repository to the local machine.

Example:

git clone <repository-url>

17. What is the use of git status command?

It shows:

  • Modified files
  • Staged files
  • Untracked files

18. How do you create a branch in Git?

git branch feature

18. How do you delete a branch in Git?

git branch -d feature

19. What is a pull request in GitHub?

A pull request is a request to merge code changes into another branch

20. What are the advantages of Git?

  • Fast performance
  • Distributed system
  • Easy branching
  • Strong version tracking
  • Collaboration support