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Welcome to gitsw

gitsw is a contextual Git branch switcher that makes working with multiple branches effortless. It automatically manages your uncommitted changes, restores your workspace state, and keeps your dependencies in sync.

Installation

Get started with gitsw using cargo, install script, or pre-built binaries

Quick Start

Learn the basics and start switching branches in minutes

Key Features

Discover what makes gitsw powerful

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What is gitsw?

gitsw enhances the Git branch switching experience by automatically handling the tedious tasks developers face when moving between branches:
  • Stashing uncommitted changes when you leave a branch
  • Restoring those changes when you return
  • Detecting package manager changes and prompting for dependency installation
  • Providing an interactive fuzzy-search interface for branch selection

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Key Features

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Interactive Branch Picker

Fuzzy search through all your branches with the most recently used ones displayed first. No need to remember exact branch names. 
gitsw
```bash

### Automatic Stash Management

When switching branches with uncommitted changes, gitsw automatically stashes them with a branch-specific identifier. When you return to that branch, your changes are automatically restored.

```bash
# Switch away with uncommitted changes - automatically stashed
gitsw main

# Switch back - changes automatically restored
gitsw feature-auth

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Smart Dependency Sync

Detects changes to lock files (package-lock.json, yarn.lock, pnpm-lock.yaml) and prompts you to run the appropriate package manager install command.

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Recent Branches Tracking

Quickly access your most recently used branches with timestamps and stash indicators. 
gitsw -r
```bash

### Remote Branch Tracking

Easily fetch, checkout, and track remote branches in a single command.

```bash
gitsw -t origin/feature-api

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Branch Operations

  • Create new branches with -c flag
  • Pull latest changes after switching with -p flag
  • Delete branches with automatic stash cleanup
  • View current status including branch, changes, and stash state

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How It Works

gitsw maintains state in .git/git-switch.json within your repository to track:
  1. Branch state: Last visited time, stash ID, and lock file hash for each branch
  2. On branch leave: If you have uncommitted changes, gitsw stashes them with a branch-specific identifier
  3. On branch switch: Git checks out the target branch
  4. On branch return: If a stash exists for the branch, gitsw automatically applies and drops it
  5. Lock file check: Compares lock file hash with stored value and prompts for install if changed

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Next Steps

Install gitsw

Choose your preferred installation method

Quick Start Guide

Get up and running in minutes

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