The short answer
It is not a complete backup and does not protect unsaved files. Practice switching and comparing before touching production.
Try it in three steps
- Check for uncommitted changes.
- Change documentation on a practice branch.
- Compare differences before merging.
A practice prompt
Before you start
Compare fictional versions without switching a repository.
Practice material (fictional)
main says Submit. The practice branch says Save draft. An uncommitted edit adds explanatory text.Replace placeholders in the prompt with this material, or append the material if there are no placeholders. Reading time excludes doing the exercise.
Explain the current branch, base branch and uncommitted changes read-only. Do not switch or reset.What to look for (not a recorded test result)
Separate recorded branch differences from uncommitted edits; switching branches does not back up that added text.
If it goes wrong
When local changes block switching, preserve them rather than forcing an overwrite.
Check your result
You can identify the branch and changes not yet recorded in history.
References and scope
The links below support the concepts or product navigation. The steps and exercises are our teaching suggestions, not official certification or measured customer outcomes. Product interfaces and availability may change. References checked on 2026-10-17.