--graph

Learn the branch graph with git log --graph.

git log --graph

git log --graph displays commit history using an ASCII graph that shows branching and merging relationships. This lets you follow how branches diverge and at which commits they merge. It is especially useful when inspecting complex branch histories.

* commit A
|\
| * commit B
|/
* commit C

Interpret Graph Characters

In the graph, * represents a commit, | continues a branch line, and \ and / represent branches diverging or merging. These symbols help you understand the history structure alongside commit messages. You can combine --graph with --oneline for a more compact view.

git log --graph --oneline

Exercise Build a Graph History Command

Assign a Git command to command that displays commit history in both compact form and as a branching graph. Then print the command.

Show example solution

const command = "git log --graph --oneline";
console.log(command);

Test yourself

Which option displays Git history as a branching graph?
- --author
- --stat
- --graph
- --oneline
Show answer

--graph — <code>--graph</code> displays branching and merging relationships in commit history using an ASCII graph.

Add the Graph Option

git log --oneline ____

Show answer

git log --oneline --graph

Graph Symbols

*

Commit point
|

Continuation of a branch line
\

Branch divergence line
/

Branch merge line

Next lesson: --format

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