How to show Git diff between commits
Łukasz Holeczek
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Comparing differences between specific commits helps analyze code evolution, debug issues, and understand what changed between any two points in project history.
As the creator of CoreUI with extensive Git experience across numerous projects, I frequently compare commits to track down bugs or understand feature implementations.
The most precise method is using git diff commit1 commit2 with specific commit hashes or references.
This approach provides exact comparison between any two commits regardless of branch or timeline.
Use git diff with two commit hashes to show differences between specific commits.
git diff abc123 def456
This command shows all differences between commit ‘abc123’ and commit ‘def456’, displaying what changed from the first commit to the second. You can use full commit hashes, short hashes (first 7 characters), or commit references like HEAD~1 for the previous commit. The output follows standard diff format showing file modifications, additions, and deletions between the two specific points in history.
Best Practice Note:
This is the method we use in CoreUI development for analyzing specific changes during code reviews and debugging sessions.
Use git diff --stat abc123 def456 to see a summary of changed files with line counts instead of detailed diff content.
