If you’ve used Git for more than a day, git checkout is probably muscle memory right.
New branch?
git checkout -b feature-x
Discard file changes?
git checkout -- src/app.js
Sound familiar right? The problem is the same command handles branches (a high-level task) and files (a low-level task). That overload can lead to mistakes—accidentally nuking changes when you meant to switch branches, or vice versa.
In Git 2.23 (2019), the Git team answered this with two focused tools like git switch and git restore.
Cheat Sheet: Git Checkout vs Git Switch
Why Make the Switch?
- Clarity: Command names match their purpose—no more guessing.
- Safety: Reduces accidental data loss by separating branch vs. file ops.
- Readability: Cleaner CLI history, easier for teammates to follow.
- Best Practice: Endorsed by Git’s own maintainers.
Conclusion
Although it can be hard to break the old git checkout habit, consistently using git switch and git restore will will quickly give you a clearer, safer workflow you’ll soon appreciate.
