Top 8 Commands to Boost Your Productivity

Hello, my name is Zil-e-huma a. Student Ambassador I am from Pakistan and I am majoring in Software Engineering.

Using Git via the command line is a surefire way to dramatically increase your development speed and efficiency. The GitHub CLI brings GitHub functionality directly to your terminal, saving you time and reducing the need to switch between different interfaces. Let’s take a look at the eight most-used GitHub CLI commands that every developer should understand to get the most out of their workflow.

Why should I use GitHub CLI?

GitHub offers several ways to interact with your repositories: through the web interface, a heavy-duty web editor with GitHub.dev, a full-fledged environment for coding with Codespaces, integration with other editors like VS Code or JetBrains, GitHub Desktop, and now GitHub Mobile. But what if you could streamline your workflow and do everything from the command line, without having to use different interfaces for different tasks? That’s where the GitHub CLI comes in. The GitHub CLI lets you focus on your workflow and perform GitHub-related tasks right from your terminal.

Getting started with GitHub CLI

First, you need to install the GitHub CLI. You can download it on Windows, Mac, or Linux by following the instructions in the GitHub CLI documentation (GitHub CLI Documentation – GitHub Docs) Once the installation is complete, open a terminal and type `gh` to make sure it’s working properly. To check the version, use:

Before continuing, authenticate with GitHub using:

Follow the on-screen instructions to log in using your GitHub credentials.

8 Best GitHub CLI Commands for Developers

These commands are useful tools for efficient project management and collaboration.

1. Creating and cloning a repository

The GitHub CLI makes creating a new repository quick and easy. Just navigate to the directory of your choice and run:

To clone an existing repository:

For example, to clone the GitHub CLI repository itself:

Using `gh repo clone` simplifies the cloning process over the traditional `git clone` by making the verification and configuration process easier.

2. Manage your issues effectively

GitHub Cli lets you track and manage issues directly from your terminal.

To view a list of open issues:

To create a new issue

To view specific issues:

To receive prompt updates on issues that concern you, use:

These commands allow you to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate with team members all from one place: the command line.

3. Handling pull requests like a pro

The GitHub CLI makes working with pull requests a breeze.

To open a list of all pull requests:

To create a new pull request:

To review pull requests, use:

Finally, when you are ready to merge, use the following command:

This simple and easy process allows transfers to be reviewed and merged in one place (terminal).

4. Create and view releases

A release is required to distribute software.

To create a new release:

To release an existing release, use the following command:

Use this to check a specific release:

This command allows you to seamlessly package your project along with version notes and binaries.

5. Monitoring GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions are provided to automate developers’ development processes.

To view a list of workflows:

To see how a specific workflow works:

Tracking workflow execution:

Speed ​​up your testing and development processes by managing automation tasks from the terminal.

6. Label work

To decide which problems to address and when, we use labels to organize and prioritize our problems.

Get a list of labels using:

To create a new label:

To edit an existing label:

Labels, when used appropriately, can help you maintain and organize your projects.

7. Check GitHub status

Get up-to-date information about tasks and notifications by checking the status using the following commands.

This command summarizes issues, pull requests, and notifications that require your attention.

8. Extend with extensions

The GitHub CLI is open source, allowing for community-driven extensions.

To browse available extensions:

To install the extension:

There are extensions that add specific functionality that you need based on your specific needs. As a result, GitHub CLI gains additional power.

What’s next?

These commands give you a glimpse into the capabilities of the GitHub CLI. Once you start using these tools in your workflow, you’ll find yourself more productive and efficient. You’ll spend less time navigating between screens and more time coding.

And don’t forget to use this if you get stuck or need guidance:

Happy coding!

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