Create a git alias to display a specific file from the last commit

Question

Is it possible to create a git alias to do a less style display of a specific file from the last commit?

The usual command for that would be git show HEAD~0:FileName.

However creating an alias like this sh-la = show HEAD~0: and running it with git sh-la FileName does not work.

Why the -1? I made sure there were lots of git questions here before asking. — mattst
– mattst, Commented Jun 4, 2016 at 16:22

janos · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-04 19:19:36Z

1

The problem is that you would need the filename concatenated directly after HEAD~0:. With a simple alias that's not what happens with extra arguments. In your example this will be executed:

git show HEAD~0: FileName

Notice the space after HEAD~0:.

To achieve what you want, you need use a function, like this:

sh-la = "!f() { git show HEAD~0:\"$1\"; }; f"

answered Jun 4, 2016 at 19:19

janos

126k31 gold badges242 silver badges253 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

mattst Over a year ago

I see. Thanks very much, your function alias works perfectly. I had no idea that git aliases beginning with a ! call an external command, what a useful feature.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Create a git alias to display a specific file from the last commit

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related