How to List Git Branches Not on Remote

When working with Git, it's common to create multiple branches for different features, bug fixes, or releases. However, over time, these branches may become outdated or unused, cluttering up your local repository. In this article, we'll explore how to list the branches that are not on remote using a simple command and also provide a 1-liner solution.

Why List Branches Not on Remote?

When you have dozens or even hundreds of old or unused branches, it can be challenging to manage them effectively. By listing these branches, you can identify which ones can be safely deleted or archived, freeing up space in your local repository and making it easier to maintain your codebase.

The Simple Command

To list the branches that are not on remote, use the following command:

`git branch -a --contains main | grep -v 'origin/'`

This command uses `git branch -a` to list all local and remote branches, and `--contains main` to filter only the branches that contain the `main` branch. The `grep -v 'origin/'` part removes any branches that are already present on the remote repository.

1-Liner Solution

If you prefer a 1-liner solution, you can use the following command:

`git branch -a --contains main | grep -v 'origin/' | xargs git branch -d`

This command is similar to the previous one, but it uses `xargs` to delete each branch that is not on remote.

Making It Easier with a Function Alias

To make this process even easier, you can create a function alias in your Git configuration file (`~/.gitconfig`) using the following command:

`git config --global alias.clean-branches 'branch -a --contains main | grep -v 'origin/' | xargs git branch -d'`

Once you've created this alias, you can use it to list and delete old or unused local branches with a simple `git clean-branches` command.

In conclusion, listing the branches that are not on remote is an essential step in maintaining a healthy and organized Git repository. By using the commands and 1-liner solutions provided in this article, you can easily identify and delete outdated or unused branches, freeing up space and making it easier to work with your codebase.

Git list branches not on remote