What is the Difference Between git stash and git commit?

In software development, particularly in version control systems like Git, two frequently used commands are git stash and git commit. Both commands serve distinct purposes and are essential for managing your codebase efficiently. However, their functionalities and use cases are quite different. In this article, we will dive into the nuances of git stash and git commit, helping you understand when and why to use each.

Understanding git stash

The git stash command is used to temporarily save changes in your working directory that you are not ready to commit yet. It allows you to clear your working directory so that you can work on something else without losing your current changes.

How git stash Works

When you run git stash, Git takes the uncommitted changes in your working directory, saves them to a stash, and then resets your working directory to match the last commit (HEAD). These changes are not committed to the repository but are instead stored in a stack-like structure for future use.

Key Features of git stash:

• Temporary Storage: Stashed changes are stored locally and can be reapplied at any time using git stash apply or git stash pop.
• Preserves Uncommitted Work: Allows you to switch branches or work on other tasks without discarding or committing incomplete changes.
• Flexible Restoration: Changes can be applied to the same branch or a different one.

Common Use Cases for git stash

• Switching Contexts: If you are working on a feature and need to switch to another branch to address a bug, you can stash your changes and switch branches.
• Working on Experiments: Use git stash to save exploratory changes that you may not want to commit permanently.
• Keeping Your Working Directory Clean: Temporarily save changes to focus on urgent tasks without cluttering your repository with unnecessary commits.

Command Examples

git stash
git stash list
git stash apply
git stash pop

The git stash list command allows you to view all stashed changes, while git stash apply re-applies stashed changes without removing them from the stash stack. git stash pop, on the other hand, re-applies and removes the stashed changes.

Understanding git commit

The git commit command is a fundamental part of the Git workflow. It saves your changes to the local repository, creating a snapshot of your project’s current state. Unlike git stash, commits are permanent and become part of your project’s history.

How git commit Works

When you run git commit, Git records the current state of your staged changes into the repository as a new commit. Each commit is assigned a unique SHA-1 hash that identifies it and includes metadata like the author’s name, email, and timestamp.

Key Features of git commit:

• Permanent Changes: Commits are saved to the repository and can be shared with others via git push.
• Project History: Each commit serves as a checkpoint in your project’s timeline, making it easier to track changes and troubleshoot issues.
• Message Annotations: Every commit requires a message describing the changes, improving codebase clarity and documentation.

Common Use Cases for git commit

• Saving Work: Use git commit to save and document changes that are ready to be included in the project.
• Collaborating: Commit changes before pushing them to a shared repository, enabling others to pull and review your updates.
• Versioning: Create a history of your project’s evolution, allowing you to roll back to previous states if necessary.

Command Examples

git add .
git commit -m "Add feature X"
git log

The git add command stages changes for commit, while git log displays the history of commits in the repository.

Key Differences Between git stash and git commit

Aspect	git stash	git commit
Purpose	Temporarily save uncommitted changes.	Save changes permanently to the repository.
Scope	Local and temporary.	Global and part of project history.
Usage	Useful for switching tasks or branches.	Useful for finalizing and sharing changes.
Restoration	Re-applied using git stash apply or git stash pop.	Accessible via commit history (git log).
History	Does not appear in the commit log.	Appears in the commit log and project history.
Collaboration	Not shareable with others.	Can be shared via remote repositories.

When to Use git stash vs git commit

The choice between git stash and git commit depends on the situation and the purpose of your changes:

• Use git stash when your changes are incomplete, experimental, or you need to temporarily switch tasks without committing.
• Use git commit when your changes are finalized, tested, and ready to become part of the project history.

Best Practices

For git stash:

• Use descriptive messages when stashing changes (e.g., git stash save "WIP: Feature X").
• Regularly clean up unused stashes using git stash drop or git stash clear to avoid clutter.

For git commit:

• Write clear and concise commit messages that describe the changes.
• Commit frequently to create a detailed project history.
• Avoid committing broken or unfinished code to maintain repository integrity.

Conclusion

Both git stash and git commit are indispensable tools for effective Git workflows. While git stash offers temporary storage for uncommitted changes, git commit provides a permanent record in your repository’s history. Understanding the differences and knowing when to use each will help you manage your codebase more efficiently and collaborate better with your team.