Calling external commands with git aliases

Question

I want to restart my virtual server after switching branches, and tried adding some aliases in my .gitconfig but did not get it to work.

co = checkout | !rap

only runs rap, the restart script.

co = checkout && !rap

and some other things I tried (like checkout $1) gives my "git usage: bla bla".

Answer 1

I think, what you really want is post-checkout hook (look into your .git/hooks/ directory and githooks manpage).

Answer 2

Note that the correct solution to your problem could be simply using post-checkout hook, as written in hacker's answer.

Below there is posible solution for your question.

---

You either use single git command in alias, like e.g.

[alias]
    alias = config --get-regexp ^alias\\.

or you use any command with '!' prefix, perhaps using "sh -c" trick; then you have to spell "git command", e.g.

[alias]
    sed = !git ls-files --stage | grep ^100 | awk '{print $4}' | xargs sed
    who = "!sh -c 'git log -1 --pretty=\"format:%an <%ae>\" --author=\"$1\"' -"

(not that alias.sed is the best solution).

---

If you want for "git br <somebranch>" to do "git checkout <somebranch>", then "rap", try

[alias]
    br = !sh -c 'git checkout "$0" && rap'

Here && means: do next command if previous one is succesfull. You can use ; instead to run command regardless of status of earlier command

BTW don't you switch branches using "git checkout <branch>"? The "git branch <branchname>" creates branch, without checking it out.