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 statusfirst. - 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 pullbefore making changes. - Set up SSH keys for private repositories.
- Pushing triggers automatic deployment in cPanel-managed repos.
- Use a proper
.gitignorefile. - 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.