title: git creating a branch from the master
body: <p>I am new to using git and come from SVN background. I have checkout a project containing all the files in the default master branch. All the files in the master branch are outdated and I need to checkin a new set of files. But I am planning to create a new branch for the same and continue my development in the branch. </p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Do I need to be in the master branch to create a new branch?</li>
  <li>Command to create a new branch so that the master branch is untouched.</li>
  <li>How to switch to the master/mybranch branch later.</li>
  <li>Command to know which branch I am currently working on?</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Please let me know as I do not want to screw up my existing master branch.</p>