← Glossary
What does "stash" mean in programming?
stash is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A Git feature that temporarily shelves changes you have made to your working directory. You can stash work in progress, switch branches, and come back to your changes later.
Example
"Use git stash to save your work before switching to the hotfix branch."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| stash | verb (infinitive) | To temporarily save uncommitted changes without committing them | "Stash your changes before switching branches." |
| stashed | past tense | Already saved to the stash | "I stashed my work in progress and switched to the hotfix branch." |
| stashing | gerund | In the process of temporarily saving changes | "Stashing lets you context-switch without losing your work." |
Related terms
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