Git Reset

Introduction

git reset is used to undo changes in your Git repository. It allows you to move the current branch to a specific commit and control what happens to your staging area and working directory. git reset is especially useful when you want to undo commits that have not been pushed to a remote repository.

When to Use

• Use git reset --soft <commit> to move the branch pointer back and keep your changes staged for a new commit.
• Use git reset --mixed <commit> (or simply git reset <commit>, since --mixed is the default) to remove files from the staging area but keep changes in your working directory.
• Use git reset --hard <commit> to completely discard all changes in both the staging area and working directory.
  • ⚠️ Dangerous! This will delete all uncommitted changes and is irreversible!

Overview

Summary:

• --soft: Only resets commit history, keeps staging area and working directory unchanged.
• --mixed: Resets commit history and staging area, keeps working directory unchanged.
• --hard: Resets everything, including working directory.