Common Git Commands in cPanel & WHM

1. Introduction

Git is one of the most powerful version control systems available, and cPanel fully supports it through the Git™ Version Control interface located at cPanel » Files » Git™ Version Control. This guide covers the most common Git commands to help you get started quickly.

Important notes before starting:

• Run all commands inside the repository folder.
• If you encounter an error, run git status first.
• To get help for any command, add --help (example: git clone --help).

2. Essential Git Commands

2.1 git clone — Download a repository

This command creates a full local copy of a remote repository.

git clone https://github.com/username/repo.git

For private repositories:

git clone https://username:[email protected]/username/repo.git

cPanel note: The Git Version Control interface provides the clone URL. For private repositories, configure SSH keys or a Personal Access Token.

2.2 git add — Stage changes

Moves changes into the staging area before committing.

git add file.txt      # Add a single file
git add .             # Add all changed files
git add -A            # Add all changes including deletions
git add -u            # Add only tracked files

Note: git add only stages changes — it does not commit them.

2.3 git commit — Save changes

git commit -m "Add homepage"

Open editor for a longer message:

git commit

Auto-stage + commit:

git commit -am "Commit message"

Tip: Use clear and meaningful commit messages.

2.4 git checkout — Switch branches or restore files

git checkout main          # Switch to main branch
git checkout -b feature    # Create + switch to new branch
git checkout -- file.txt   # Restore file to last committed version

Note: -b creates and switches to a new branch.

2.5 git rm — Remove files

git rm file.txt            # Remove file from Git + disk
git rm --cached file.txt   # Remove from Git only
git rm -r folder/          # Remove folder

2.6 git fetch — Download changes (no merge)

git fetch origin

View remote changes:

git log origin/main

2.7 git pull — Fetch + merge

git pull origin main
git pull

Note: Resolve conflicts manually if they occur.

2.8 git push — Upload changes

git push origin main
git push -u origin main     # Set upstream
git push --all              # Push all branches

cPanel note: Pushing triggers the post-receive hook, which can automatically deploy your site.

2.9 git branch — Manage branches

git branch                 # List local branches
git branch -a              # List all branches
git branch new-feature     # Create branch
git branch -d old-branch   # Delete branch
git branch -m old new      # Rename branch

2.10 git merge — Merge branches

git checkout main
git merge feature-branch

Resolve conflicts → git add → git commit.

2.11 git blame — See who changed each line

git blame index.php

2.12 git clean — Remove untracked files

git clean -n      # Preview
git clean -f      # Delete files
git clean -fd     # Delete files + directories

2.13 git config — Configure Git

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"
git config --list

2.14 git stash — Temporarily save changes

git stash
git stash list
git stash pop
git stash apply
git stash clear

3. Golden Tips for Working with Git in cPanel

• Always start with git status.
• Run git pull before making changes.
• Set up SSH keys for private repositories.
• Pushing triggers automatic deployment in cPanel-managed repos.
• Use a proper .gitignore file.
• Be consistent with commit messages.

Conclusion

These essential Git commands provide a strong foundation for working with Git inside cPanel & WHM. With practice, you can manage repositories, collaborate efficiently, and automate deployments with ease.