Today I learned how to use git reset to undo changes in my repository.

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.