Copy file from another branch without commit using a single git command

Question

It is possible to copy a file from one branch to another without the destination being committed, for example:

$ git checkout otherbranch somefile
$ git reset HEAD somefile

However, can the above be done with a single git command?

Out of curiosity, what is the reason behind the single-command limit? — Romain Valeri
– Romain Valeri, Commented Mar 11, 2019 at 16:33

ElpieKay · Accepted Answer · 2019-03-11 16:51:46Z

2

git cat-file --filters -p otherbranch:somefile > somefile

otherbranch:somefile refers to the blob of somefile on otherbranch.

git cat-file -p prints the content of the blob.

> somefile overwrites somefile in the worktree with the content.

As @jthill commented, --filters should be used in case any filter is configured and somefile is affected. git lfs is one of the use cases.

edited Mar 11, 2019 at 16:51

answered Mar 11, 2019 at 16:31

ElpieKay

31.7k6 gold badges38 silver badges72 bronze badges

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

2 Comments

jthill Over a year ago

Consider the --filters option if you've got lfs or anything that processes the repository content on the way to the worktree , git cat-file --filters -p other:path >path.

ElpieKay Over a year ago

@jthill thanks. I've never used filters in practice before. It should be considered.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Copy file from another branch without commit using a single git command

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related