+ return ref_exists(ref->buf);
+}
+
+/*
+ * Check if a branch 'name' can be created as a new branch; die otherwise.
+ * 'force' can be used when it is OK for the named branch already exists.
+ * Return 1 if the named branch already exists; return 0 otherwise.
+ * Fill ref with the full refname for the branch.
+ */
+int validate_new_branchname(const char *name, struct strbuf *ref, int force)
+{
+ const char *head;
+
+ if (!validate_branchname(name, ref))