git-clean-branches

A simple CLI tool to delete all local Git branches except the ones you want to keep.

Perfect for keeping your repo clean without manually deleting dozens of branches.

Installation

Global install (recommended) npm install -g git-clean-branches

Or use with npx npx git-clean-branches main develop

Usage

git-clean [options] <branches-to-keep...>

Example git-clean main develop

This will:

Keep main, develop, and your current branch Delete all other local branches

Options

--dry-run

Preview what will be deleted without actually deleting anything.

git-clean --dry-run main develop

--force

Force delete branches (uses git branch -D instead of -d).

git-clean --force main develop

How it works

• Fetches all local branches
• Automatically includes your current branch in the keep list
• Filters out branches you want to keep
• Prompts for confirmation before deletion
• Deletes remaining branches safely (or forcefully if specified)

Safety Features

• Never deletes the current branch
• Confirmation prompt before deletion
• Dry-run mode to preview changes
• Safe delete by default (-d)

Sample Output

Keeping branches: main, develop, feature-x

Branches to delete: feature-old bugfix-123

Are you sure you want to delete these branches? (y/N):

Tips

• Use --dry-run first to avoid mistakes
• Use --force only when you're sure branches can be safely removed
• Great to run after merging PRs

Requirements

• Node.js >= 14
• Git installed and available in PATH

License

MIT