git-check-attr - Linux

Overview

git-check-attr determines the values of configuration variables within a working tree. It allows users to examine the values of specific attributes and the effects of configuration inheritance, making it useful for debugging configuration issues, investigating how attributes are inherited, and understanding which settings are being applied to a working tree.

Syntax

git check-attr [-z] [-f <path>] [-q] [--] <attr> [<attr> ...]

Options/Flags

  • -z: Separate output fields with the NUL character instead of the default newline character.
  • -f : Read configuration variables from the specified path instead of the default working tree.
  • -q: Quiet operation. Suppress all output except errors.
  • –: Indicates the end of options and flags, after which only attribute names should appear.

Examples

Inspect the value of a single attribute:

git check-attr branch.autosetupmerge

Inspect the values of multiple attributes:

git check-attr branch.autosetupmerge upstream master

Separate output fields with NUL:

git check-attr -z branch.autosetupmerge

Common Issues

  • Missing configuration values: If an attribute is not set explicitly, it may inherit its value from higher levels of the configuration hierarchy. Use git config -l to view the complete hierarchy and identify where the attribute is being set.

Integration

git-check-attr can be used in combination with other Git commands to perform advanced tasks, such as:

  • Inspecting configuration inheritance: Use git check-attr with -f to examine the values of configuration variables in specific directories or files. This can help identify the source of configuration settings and resolve inheritance issues.
  • Debugging configuration: By comparing the output of git check-attr with the expected values, users can identify misconfigurations or unexpected inheritance behavior.

Related Commands

  • git config: Sets and lists configuration variables.
  • git blame: Shows the commit history of a file or line.