revparse

Revparse is a Git plumbing command used to parse revision identifiers and query repository state. It is designed for scripting and by other Git commands, providing a stable, machine-readable way to resolve user-supplied revisions into concrete references such as commit objects or repository metadata.

Core functions include resolving revision specifications to object IDs (typically SHA-1 hashes), expanding references like branches, tags, and commit ranges (for example HEAD, master, v1.2, HEAD~2), and performing optional verification. Revparse can also produce miscellaneous repository information, such as the absolute path to the top-level directory or the location of the .git directory. The command supports a variety of options that tailor its output or validation, making it a versatile tool in automation, hooks, and other tooling.

Common usage patterns illustrate its role in scripting. For example, git rev-parse HEAD prints the full 40-character hash of the current commit, while git rev-parse --verify HEAD ensures that HEAD refers to a valid object. The --short option returns a shortened hash, and --abbrev-ref HEAD can yield the current branch name. Other useful options include --show-toplevel to obtain the repository root and --git-dir to reveal the path to the Git directory.

Because rev-parse is part of Git’s plumbing layer, it is relied upon for precise, script-friendly behavior rather than human-facing messaging. Its exit status communicates success or failure, enabling robust error handling in automation.