Git is a popular version control system that helps web developers manage their code and collaborate with others. Sometimes, you may want to undo or revert a commit that you made in Git, either because it contains errors, conflicts, or unwanted changes. In this article, you will learn how to revert a commit in Git using three different methods: git revert, git reset, and git checkout.
The git revert command creates a new commit that reverses the changes of a previous commit. This is a safe and non-destructive way to undo a commit, as it preserves the commit history and does not modify the existing branches. To use git revert, you need to specify the commit ID or the reference name of the commit that you want to revert. For example, if you want to revert the last commit on the master branch, you can run: git revert master This will create a new commit with a message like "Revert 'commit message'", where commit message is the original message of the commit that you are reverting. You can also edit the message before confirming the revert.
?? Undo Like a Pro: Git revert = clean undo. No history mess. Create a new commit to reverse changes without chaos. Example: `git revert main` This generates a new commit with a message like "Revert 'commit message'", maintaining clarity in the commit history. ?? Conclusion: Git revert is a Software buddy hero that Undo, customizes, and maintains clean code. ????
A very simple way to revert a commit is: Method 1: Using git revert - git log (For finding the commit hash you want to revert) - git revert <commit-hash> Method 2: Using git reset (for local changes only) - git log (Find the commit hash you want to revert) - git reset --hard HEAD^ (Reset to the commit before the one you want to revert) Method 3: Using git reset with a new commit (for local changes) - git log (Find the commit hash you want to revert) - git reset --soft HEAD^ (Soft reset to the commit before the one you want to revert) - git commit -m "Revert to the previous commit" (Commit the changes) Choose the method that suits your needs. Generally safer to use git revert.
Follow these simple steps: - Find the commit to revert: Use `git log` - Revert the commit: git revert <commit to revert> - Review changes and commit the revert: git commit -m "Revert <commit-message>" You can also use `git reset` to revert a commit. It's similar to `git revert`, but with a slightly different approach. Instead of creating a new commit that undoes changes, `git revert` only undoes a single commit by taking you back to the staged files before that commit Perform a hard reset: git reset --hard HEAD~1 Perform a soft reset: git reset --soft HEAD~1
In Git, `git revert` is a vital tool for developers to undo the changes without compromising commit history. This versatile command facilitates precise corrections and rollbacks. To use `git revert`, identify the target commit with `git log`, copy its hash, and execute `git revert <commit-hash>`. This creates a new commit, preserving a clean history. For multiple commits, specify a range with `git revert <start-commit>^..<end-commit>`. After reverting, push changes using `git push origin <branch-name>`.
1. "git log" , and copy the previous commit hash 2. "git revert <commit_hash>" 3. Push the changes "git push origin <branch-name>"
The git reset command moves the current branch pointer to a different commit, effectively discarding any commits that come after it. This is a more risky and destructive way to undo a commit, as it alters the commit history and can cause data loss or conflicts. To use git reset, you need to specify the commit ID or the reference name of the commit that you want to reset to. For example, if you want to reset the master branch to the second-last commit, you can run: git reset --hard HEAD~1 This will move the master branch pointer to the commit before the last one, and delete any changes that were made in the last commit. The --hard option tells Git to also update the working directory and the staging area to match the reset commit. You can also use --soft or --mixed options to keep some changes in the staging area or the working directory.
In my opinion, after an unsuccessful push or merge: $ git reset --soft HEAD~1 is the best solution, cause you undo the commit but keep the changed files, so you can stash them and get the latest update. Then unstash, commit and push again...
Git Reset: Mastering the Undo Button ?? ?? Reset Magic: Git reset = undo but with options. Resets the staging area, working directory, or both. ??Types of Resets: 1) Soft Reset: git reset --soft <commit_id or HEAD~n> (Keeps changes in the working directory. Useful for re-committing.) 2) Mixed Reset (Default): git reset <commit_id or HEAD~n> (Unstages changes but keeps them in the working directory. Perfect for re-evaluating changes.) 3) Hard Reset: git reset --hard <commit_id or HEAD~n> (Nukes changes. Use cautiously; it wipes out everything.)
git reset --soft HEAD~1 - reverts 1 commit and keeps changes git reset --hard HEAD~2 - reverts 1 commit without keeping the changes
You missed - interactive rebase. git rebase -i HEAD~N N - number of commits behind You can remove any commit but it needs history rewrite aka git push —force
In case you want to reset only a specific file from your current branch to your base branch. You can use git checkout <remote>/<branch> — <file_path>. In other case, if you want to reset a branch to have exactly the same with another branch, you could use git push <remote> -f <source_branch>:<target_branch>. Source branch is the branch you wanna copy and target branch is the branch you wanna reset
The git checkout command switches the working directory to a different branch or commit, without changing the current branch pointer. This is a useful way to undo a commit temporarily, as it allows you to inspect or test a previous state of your code, without affecting the commit history or the existing branches. To use git checkout, you need to specify the commit ID or the reference name of the commit that you want to check out. For example, if you want to check out the last commit on the master branch, you can run: git checkout master This will update the working directory to match the last commit on the master branch, but will not change the branch pointer. You can also use a branch name instead of a commit ID or reference name to check out a different branch. To return to the original state, you can run: git checkout - This will switch back to the previous branch or commit that you checked out from.
Some of the most used command while woking with git directory: 1) git stash, which makes a temporary, local save of your code 2) git reset, which lets you tidy up your code before doing a commit 3)git bisect, a function that allows you to hunt out bad commits 4)git squash, which allows you to combine your commits
Git Checkout: Navigating Your Code Time Machine ??? ?? Travel Back in Time: Git checkout = time travel. Switch branches, restore files, or even explore past commits. ?? Types of Checkout: 1) Branch Checkout: git checkout <branch_name> (Jump between branches seamlessly.) 2) File Restore: git checkout <file_path> (Bring back deleted or modified files.) 3) Commit Exploration: git checkout <commit_id> (Enter a specific commit state temporarily.) 4) Crafting Your Code Journey: git checkout -b <new_branch> (Create new branches. Tailor your code exploration.) ?? Conclusion: Git checkout = your code navigation tool. Effortlessly switch, restore, and explore. ??
Here some useful info about checkout: 1. Switch to a Branch: Ex: git checkout branch_name 2. Create a New Branch and Switch to It: Ex: git checkout -b new_branch_name 3. Switch Back to the Previous Branch: Ex: git checkout -
An important point wth git checkout is that it keeps your in-progress uncommitted changes when you checkout between refs, as long as there are no conflicts. For e.g. if I modify a file abc.txt and don't commit it but checkout a different branch, my changes still remain there, they can still be staged and committed into the new branch. If there's a conflict, git checkout will fail and in this case, the best way is to stash your changes using git stash and then checkout a different branch.
- When we use git checkout [branch-name], we switch the current working directory to the specified branch. The HEAD pointer is updated to point to the new branch. - We can also use `git checkout` with a commit hash to view the state of the repository at that particular commit. This is a detached HEAD state, meaning we're no longer working on a specific branch. - `git checkout` is often used for temporarily inspecting or testing a previous state of the code without altering the current branch. - In newer versions of Git, the git checkout command has been split into two separate commands: git switch for changing branches and git restore for restoring file states.
Ever found yourself in Git commit limbo, wishing for a rewind button? Enter git revert, your coding time-travel companion. Picture this: you make a commitment, realize it needs a U-turn, and voila! Git revert crafts a new commit, elegantly undoing the past without erasing it. It's not just code; it's a safety net for the developer's journey. This process doesn't just fix; it tells a story in your commit history. So, next time you revert, consider it a plot twist, and your codebase is the narrative canvas.
Apart from above commands there is one more additional command in git which can be useful whenever you're working with a group of programmers on a project, whether small or large, handling changes between multiple Git branches can become difficult. Sometimes, instead of combining an entire Git branch into a different one, you want to select and move a couple of specific commits. This procedure is known as "cherry-picking." To do this, follow this syntax: $ git cherry-pick <commit-id>
?? Avoid Overwhelm: Don't drown in Git complexities. Start coding, engage with the community, and let Git unfold its magic naturally. Before launching my career, I devoured three Git courses. Yet, a persistent "Huh?" lingered—questions about the why and how of Git. ?? Community Interaction Odyssey: As I started working, real-case challenges surfaced. I navigated uncertainties by interacting with the community, unraveling Git's enigma. ?? Empowered Coding Journey: I tell myself, "Start coding, and Git will find you." ?? Conclusion: Git mastery unfolds organically through coding, community interaction, and real-world problem-solving. Embrace the journey and let Git reveal its brilliance! ???
Blueprism MVP 2024 | Agile - Program Manager | Blue Prism, Power Automate, UiPath, ABBYY
Let's consider an approach you can use as best practice...always helped me in my college days and multiple projects: 1. Find the Mistake:?? Identify the commit (snapshot) where things went wrong using `git log`. 2. New Safe Zone:?? Always and I cant stress this more....always Create a safe space by making a new branch 3. Use the branch ?? 4. Undo the Mistake:? Use `git revert <commit_hash>` to rectify mistakes without erasing it all. 5. Check Your Work:??? Look at your changes with `git log` or a Git tool. 6. Bring Fixes to Main:?? If all is well, merge your fixed branch back into your main one with & then Tidy Up?? by deleting alternate ones. And Voila, ?? You now have a safe model. Happy coding! ??
To revert a commit in Git, there are three main commands: git revert, git reset, and git checkout. ?? If we want to undo a commit that has already been pushed to a remote repository, git revert is the safest option. ?? If want to undo a commit that has not been pushed yet, git reset or git checkout can be used. However, git reset should be used with caution because it can cause problems if we have already pushed the changes to a remote repository In summary, git revert is the best option for undoing a commit that has already been pushed to a remote repository, while git reset or git checkout can be used for undoing a commit that has not been pushed yet. However, git reset should be used with caution.