# Creating and Switching Between Branches

### Creating a Branch

To create a new branch in Git, you can use the `git branch` command followed by the desired branch name. Let's say we want to create a branch named `feature-branch`:

```bash
git branch feature-branch
```

This command creates the branch but does not switch to it yet. You can list all branches in your repository using `git branch` without any arguments:

```bash
git branch
```

output:

```
* main
  feature-branch
```

The asterisk (\*) indicates the currently active branch, which is `main` in this case.

We can also create a branch using the checkout command:

```bash
git checkout -b feature-branch
```

This command would create and checkout the newly created branch.

***

### Switching Between Branches

To switch to a different branch, you can use the `git checkout` command followed by the branch name. For example, to switch to the `feature-branch` we created earlier:

```bash
git checkout feature-branch
```

The output should indicate that you have switched to the `feature-branch`.

`Switched to branch 'feature-branch'`

Now you are in the `feature-branch` and any changes you make and commit will be isolated within this branch. You can verify your current branch by running `git branch`:

```bash
git branch
```

output:

```
  main
* feature-branch
```

The asterisk (\*) has moved to indicate that you are now on the `feature-branch`.

{% hint style="success" %}
creating and switching between branches is a powerful feature of Git that enables effective collaboration and parallel development. By following best practices for branch naming and management, you can maintain a well-organised and efficient workflow.
{% endhint %}