# Git Aliases

I just learned about Git Aliases.  What is an Git Aliase you ask?

[Phil Haack](https://haacked.com/about/) says: 

> An alias is simply a way to add a shorthand for a common Git command or set of Git commands. Some are quite simple. 

If you want to use `co` instead of `checkout`, you can set it like this: 

```
git config --global alias.co checkout
```

And, now you can use `git co [branch_name]` to checkout a branch like so:  

![](https://1970861158-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Ljn7Z64iRi1UjaYmuws%2F-LjtPLktKcjLO4_S3j5N%2F-LjtQZIl58wOLWCGJDLa%2FCaptureE.PNG?alt=media\&token=467a23d9-90c6-4f24-9bab-5cfe5ddbf18e)