How to Learn the Git Commands
Git runs on a small set of commands you use every day — add, commit, push, pull. Learn a dozen and you can handle almost any version-control task. This deck pairs each command with exactly what it does.
There are 13 cards in the deck below. You can read through them, practise them right here with the flip-card player, and then save the deck to study properly with spaced repetition — the method that makes them stick for months, not minutes.
Why the essential Git commands is hard to memorize (and the fix)
Beginners confuse the "staging" flow — add vs commit vs push are three separate steps, not one. Learning what each does in the sequence fixes the mental model.
The fix is active recall plus spaced repetition. Instead of re-reading the list (which feels productive but barely works), you test yourself — pull each answer out of memory — and you review each card on a schedule that stretches over time. Every time you successfully recall a fact, the memory gets stronger and the next review is pushed further out. That's how you go from "I saw it once" to "I just know it."
The fastest way to learn the essential Git commands
- Break it into small batches. Learn the everyday flow first (add → commit → push), then branching (branch, checkout, merge), then the rest.
- Test, don't re-read. Look at the question, say the answer out loud before flipping the card. The little struggle to recall is what builds the memory — a smooth re-read does almost nothing.
- Review on a schedule. Spaced repetition shows you each card right before you'd forget it. Get one right and it comes back in a few days, then a week, then a month. Miss one and it comes back sooner.
- Keep sessions short and daily. Five to ten minutes a day beats a two-hour cram every time. Consistency is the whole game.
One fact per card. add stages, commit saves locally, push uploads — keep those three distinct and Git clicks.
The full deck: the Git Commands
Here's every card in the set. Practise them above, or save the deck and let spaced repetition schedule your reviews automatically.
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| What does "git clone" do? | Copies a remote repository to your machine |
| What does "git init" do? | Creates a new Git repository in the current folder |
| What does "git status" do? | Shows changed, staged and untracked files |
| What does "git add" do? | Stages changes for the next commit |
| What does "git commit" do? | Saves a snapshot of staged changes locally |
| What does "git push" do? | Uploads local commits to the remote repository |
| What does "git pull" do? | Fetches and merges changes from the remote |
| What does "git branch" do? | Lists, creates or deletes branches |
| What does "git checkout" (or switch) do? | Moves to a different branch or commit |
| What does "git merge" do? | Combines another branch into your current one |
| What does "git log" do? | Shows the commit history |
| What does "git diff" do? | Shows the exact changes between versions |
| What are the three steps to save and share work? | add → commit → push |
Save this deck and actually remember it
Create a free account, keep this 13-card deck, and we'll schedule every review at the perfect moment. First deck free forever — no credit card.
Study this deck free →FAQ: learning the essential Git commands
How long does it take to learn the essential Git commands?
Most people can lock in the essential Git commands within one to three weeks of short daily sessions. With spaced repetition doing 10–13 cards a day, you'll recognise them within days and recall them reliably within a couple of weeks.
What's the best way to memorize the essential Git commands?
Active recall plus spaced repetition. Test yourself instead of re-reading, and review on a schedule that spaces the cards out over time. Flashcards are built for exactly this — which is why the deck above is the fastest path.
Is this deck free?
Yes. You can practise all 13 cards on this page for free with no account. Sign up (also free) to save the deck and let spaced repetition schedule your reviews so it sticks long-term.