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Overview

By default, Learn Git Branching launches in sandbox mode with a basic repository already created. This is a safe environment where you can enter any Git commands and experiment freely without consequences.

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What is Sandbox Mode?

Sandbox mode provides:
  • A visual Git repository where you can see the effects of each command in real-time
  • The ability to execute any supported Git command
  • Tools to undo mistakes or start over completely
  • Support for simulating remote repositories with git clone
Sandbox mode is great for demonstrating Git concepts to others or testing command sequences before using them in real projects.

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Available Commands

In sandbox mode, you have access to special utility commands beyond standard Git commands:

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Undo Command

Use undo to reverse the effects of the last command you executed: 
undo
This is useful when you make a mistake or want to try a different approach.
The undo command works in both sandbox mode and level challenges, making it easy to experiment without fear of breaking your repository state.

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Reset Command

Use reset to start over with a clean slate: 
reset
This clears your entire repository and returns you to the initial state. It works in both sandbox mode and levels.

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Git Clone (Remote Repositories)

Simulate working with remote repositories using git clone: 
git clone
This creates a simulated “origin” remote repository that you can push to and fetch from, just like a real Git workflow.

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Additional Utility Commands

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Show Commands

View all available commands with documentation links: 
show commands
This displays:
  • All Git commands supported by Learn Git Branching
  • Links to official Git documentation for each command
  • Available options for each command
  • Custom learning commands specific to the tool

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Export & Import Tree

Share your repository state with others: 
# Export current repository state
export tree

# Import a previously exported state
import tree
This is useful for debugging or sharing interesting Git scenarios with others.

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Flip

Change the direction of the commit tree visualization: 
flip
This flips the tree vertically, which can make it easier to understand certain branching patterns.

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Refresh

Manually refresh the visualization: 
refresh

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Echo

Output text to the terminal: 
echo "Hello World"

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Changing Locale

Change the language of the interface: 
# Change to a specific locale (e.g., Spanish)
locale es_AR

# Reset to default locale
locale reset
Supported locales include en_US, es_AR, zh_CN, de_DE, ja, fr_FR, and many more.

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Accessing Levels

While in sandbox mode, you can access the tutorial levels at any time: 
# View all available levels
levels

# Start a specific level
level intro1

# Return to sandbox mode from a level
sandbox
See Levels for more information about the tutorial system.

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Example Session

Here’s a typical sandbox mode session: 
# Make some commits
git commit
git commit

# Create a branch
git branch feature

# Oops, made a mistake - undo it
undo

# Try again with the correct command
git checkout -b feature
git commit

# Experiment with rebasing
git rebase main

# Start over to try a different approach
reset

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Tips for Using Sandbox Mode

Practice before levels: Use sandbox mode to practice commands before attempting level challenges.
Test solutions: Verify your solution works in sandbox mode before applying it to a level.
Share scenarios: Use export tree to share interesting Git scenarios with colleagues for discussion.
Demonstrate concepts: Sandbox mode is perfect for teaching Git concepts visually to others.

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Next Steps

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