Basic steps to use Git in IntelliJ IDEA
Published: 2023-02-28 08:44:48

 Using Git in IntelliJ is a popular choice for many developers, as it allows for version control of your code and seamless integration with the IDE.

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###Adventeges

-  Seamles s integration: IntelliJ has built-in support for Git, making it easy for developers to use Git for version control without needing to switch between different tools. This integration allows developers to easily manage their Git repositories directly from within the IDE. 


-  Efficient workflow: The Git integration in IntelliJ provides a streamlined workflow for developers. The IDE automatically detects changes to files and makes it easy to commit, push, and pull changes with just a few clicks. This helps to speed up the development process and reduces the likelihood of errors.

- Advanced Git features: IntelliJ provides advanced Git features, such as branching and merging, that allow developers to manage their code changes more effectively. These features help to prevent conflicts and make it easier to collaborate with other developers on a project.

- Code analysis and debugging: IntelliJ's Git integration allows developers to analyze their code and debug issues more easily. The IDE can detect code changes and highlight any potential issues, making it easier for developers to spot and fix errors.

- Code review: IntelliJ also provides tools for code review, allowing developers to review code changes made by other team members. This feature helps to improve code quality and ensure that all code changes are properly reviewed before being merged into the project.

Overall, using Git in IntelliJ provides a powerful and efficient workflow for developers, making it easier to manage code changes, collaborate with team members, and ensure code quality.


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 let’s begin

 Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Git in IntelliJ:

####1.Install Git 
If you haven't already, you'll need to install Git on your computer.

####2.Open IntelliJ
 Open IntelliJ and create a new project or open an existing project.

####3. Enable Git
In the IntelliJ menu, go to File -> Settings ->  Enable Version Control Integration. Select "Git" from the list of options.

####4. Create a Git repository
If your project is not yet under version control, create a Git repository by going to **File -> Settings -> Import into Version Control -> Create Git Repository**. If your project is already under version control, skip to the next step.


####5. Add files to Git
 In the IntelliJ menu, go to **File -> Settings ->Version Control -> Git -> Add**. Select the files you want to add to the Git repository and click "OK".


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###Features

####Branching and Merging
IntelliJ IDEA provides tools for creating, switching, and merging Git branches, which makes it easier to work on multiple features or bug fixes simultaneously.

####Create a new branch
 In the IntelliJ menu, **go to Git -> Branches -> New Branch**. Name the branch and click "OK".

####Switch branches
To switch to a different branch, **go to Git -> Branches -> Local Branches**. Select the branch you want to switch to and click "Checkout".
To see which branch we are currently on you go to **Git -> Branches **and next to the branch appears yellow tag icon.

####Commit changes
 In the IntelliJ menu, go to **Git -> Commit**. A commit window will open and the name of the changed files will automatically appear and the files you want to commit to them.Write a commit message and select the files you want to commit. Click "Commit".


![commit changes](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nqlwtplxmd89zxeknu4e.png)

####Push changes
 To push your changes to a remote Git repository, go to
Git -> Push. Select the remote repository you want to push to and click "Push".

![push](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/likealtxixppvk6cfuml.png)

####Pull changes
 To pull changes from a remote Git repository, go to  Git -> Pull. Select the remote repository you want to pull from and click "Pull".

![Pull action](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/h0fxjibz6b95avgwa9us.png)

Select the branch from which you want to pull changes into the branch that is currently checked out. By default, the remote branch tracked by the current local branch is selected. If you specify a different branch, IntelliJ IDEA will remember your choice and display this branch by default in the future.

####Resolve merge conflicts
When Git encounters a merge conflict, IntelliJ IDEA provides a visual tool for resolving the conflict. This tool allows developers to compare and merge conflicting changes in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
You can resolve conflicts by editing the files with conflicts and selecting the changes you want to keep.

####Merge branches
 To merge changes from one branch to another, go to Git -> Merge Changes. Select the branch you want to merge from and the branch you want to merge to. Click "Merge".

![merge](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/x6f1eycqyjw3ncnqrrsf.png)

####Git log viewer
 IntelliJ's Git log viewer provides a clear and detailed view of the commit history for a Git repository, making it easy for developers to see the changes made to each file,track changes and identify issues.

![log viewer](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8b10svugv6wc5sizzz49.png)

####History and Annotations
 Developers can use IntelliJ IDEA to view the commit history of a file or directory, and to see who made each change and when. IntelliJ IDEA also provides annotations that show who made each change and when, which can be helpful for tracking down bugs.
Right-click the gutter in the editor or in the Differences Viewer and select Annotate with Git Blame from the context menu.

![history](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j4w7hxkqxtrh9dzbepiv.png)


Congratulations, you have now learned how to use Git in IntelliJ! You can now use version control to manage your code changes and collaborate with other developers.

Enjoy!