How can you view all available branches in a GitLab repository?

Viewing all available branches in a GitLab repository can be effectively accomplished by using the command git branch -a. This command not only lists all the local branches that exist in your local repository but also includes all remote branches tracked by your local repository. This comprehensive view is crucial for developers who need to understand the branching structure when collaborating on projects.

The command git status provides information about the current state of the working directory and staging area, but it does not offer any details on available branches, which is why it is not suitable for this purpose.

Accessing the GitLab user interface can indeed show all branches available in a repository. However, this method is less efficient for users who prefer command-line interface operations or those who are already working in a terminal, thus making it a less optimal choice compared to using git branch -a.

Using the command git checkout is intended for switching between branches rather than displaying a list of branches. This command focuses on changing the current branch context rather than providing an overview of available branches, which confirms its unsuitability for this specific inquiry.

Thus, the command git branch -a stands out as the most direct and effective approach to viewing all branches in a GitLab repository.