uncommit last commit

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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Undoing Your Last Commit: A Guide to git revert and git reset

Have you ever made a commit to your Git repository only to realize you've introduced a mistake or need to change something? Don't worry, you're not alone! Git provides powerful tools to undo your last commit, allowing you to keep your repository clean and accurate.

In this article, we'll explore two common approaches: git revert and git reset. While both can undo commits, they differ in their approach and impact.

Understanding the Difference

• git revert: Creates a new commit that reverses the changes introduced by the commit you want to undo. This is the safest option as it preserves the history of your project.
• git reset: Moves the HEAD pointer to a previous commit, essentially removing the last commit(s) from the history. This is more powerful but potentially dangerous as it can rewrite history.

Scenario: You Just Made a Commit with a Mistake

Let's say you just committed some code that introduced a bug. Here's how you can use git revert to fix it:

1. Identify the commit you want to revert:

git log

This command will show you the recent commits. Note the commit hash of the commit you want to undo.

2. Revert the commit:

git revert <commit-hash>

Replace <commit-hash> with the actual commit hash. This will create a new commit that reverses the changes of the original commit.

Example from Github:

Original Comment:

Revert a commit or a range of commits.

git revert <commit-hash>

This comment from the official Git documentation highlights how to use git revert with a single commit hash.

Using git reset to Undo a Commit (with Caution!)

git reset can be more powerful than git revert, but it also carries more risks. It's recommended for undoing commits that have not yet been pushed to a remote repository.

Here's how to use git reset to undo the last commit:

git reset HEAD~1

This command moves the HEAD pointer one commit back.

Key Points to Remember:

• Safety: Always use git revert if you need to undo a commit that has already been pushed to a remote repository.
• History: git revert preserves your project's history, while git reset can rewrite it.
• Remote Repository: If you've already pushed the commit to a remote repository, you'll need to use git revert to keep everyone's history consistent.

Beyond the Basics:

• Reverting a Range of Commits: git revert can also revert a range of commits. Use the commit hash of the first commit and the commit hash of the last commit you want to revert:

  git revert <first-commit-hash>..<last-commit-hash>
  

• Reverting Interactive: git revert --interactive allows you to choose which changes from a commit to revert.

By understanding git revert and git reset, you gain control over your Git repository and can confidently undo mistakes, ensuring your project stays on track.