git-recent makes it easier to navigate local Git branches without remembering their names or repeatedly inspecting the repository’s branch list.
It presents recently used branches in an interactive terminal interface powered by fzf. Developers can browse the list, filter entries by typing part of a branch name and select the branch they want to check out. This is particularly convenient when working on several features or bug fixes in the same repository.
The utility also helps developers understand the differences between branches before switching. It can display commits unique to a particular branch and show differences relative to the main development branch.
Git worktrees receive special consideration. When a branch is already checked out in another worktree, git-recent recognises that situation and provides the location instead of attempting an incompatible checkout. Optional shell integration can make navigating directly to that worktree more convenient.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Interactive terminal interface for browsing recently used local Git branches.
- Fuzzy filtering makes it easy to locate branches by partial names.
- Switches to a selected branch by pressing Enter.
- Displays commits unique to the selected branch.
- Shows branch differences relative to the main development branch.
- Supports delta for improved presentation of diffs when available.
- Detects branches already checked out in separate Git worktrees.
- Provides worktree directory information for branches that cannot be checked out again.
- Optional shell wrappers allow direct navigation to existing worktree directories.
- Includes git-recent-og, the earlier non-fzf implementation, for simpler branch listings.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux and macOS.
Website: github.com/paulirish/git-recent
Support:
Developer: Paul Irish
License: MIT License
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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