How to Use Git Rebase: Step-by-Step Tutorial
TL;DR: Use Git rebase to apply commits from one branch onto another by temporarily replaying them on top of the target branch. This keeps your project history linear and clean by avoiding unnecessary merge commits, provided you strictly avoid rebasing public branches that others have already pulled.
Git rebase is a powerful tool for developers who want to maintain a clean and readable project history. Unlike merging, which creates a new commit that joins two branches, rebase takes the commits from your current branch and reapplies them onto the tip of the target branch. This process results in a linear history that is easier to follow and understand. However, because rebase rewrites commit hashes, it is critical to understand when and how to use it safely. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from preparation to conflict resolution, ensuring you can leverage this feature without disrupting your team’s workflow.
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Step 1: Prepare Your Branch
Before initiating a rebase, ensure your working directory is clean. Run `git status` to check for uncommitted changes. If there are any, commit or stash them using `git stash`. A clean state prevents data loss during the rebase process. Next, switch to the feature branch you wish to rebase using `git checkout feature-branch`. This is the branch that contains the new work you want to apply to the main development line.
Step 2: Update the Target Branch
Navigate to the target branch, usually `main` or `develop`, using `git checkout main`. Fetch the latest changes from the remote repository with `git pull origin main`. This ensures that your local target branch is up-to-date with the latest commits from your team. Failing to do this may result in a rebase that is immediately outdated, requiring you to repeat the process shortly after.
Step 3: Execute the Rebase
Switch back to your feature branch with `git checkout feature-branch`. Now, execute the rebase command: `git rebase main`. Git will temporarily set aside your branch’s commits and apply them one by one on top of the `main` branch. If there are no conflicts, the process completes instantly. Your feature branch now starts exactly where `main` ended, followed by your unique commits.
Step 4: Resolve Conflicts
Conflicts occur when the same lines of code are modified in both the feature and target branches. Git will pause the rebase and list the files with conflicts. Open these files and resolve the conflicts manually by choosing the correct code. After editing, stage the resolved files using `git add .`. To continue the rebase process, run `git rebase –continue`. If you need to skip a specific commit, use `git rebase –skip`. If you decide the rebase is too complex, abort it with `git rebase –abort` to return to your previous state.
Step 5: Verify and Push
Once the rebase is complete, verify the history using `git log –oneline`. You should see a linear sequence of commits. Since rebase rewrites history, you must force push your changes to the remote repository. Use `git push –force-with-lease origin feature-branch`. This command is safer than a standard force push because it prevents overwriting remote changes made by others since you last fetched.
Key Tips for Safe Rebasing
Always use `–force-with-lease` instead of `–force` when pushing rebased branches. This protects collaborators from losing work. Never rebase branches that are shared publicly, as it causes severe conflicts for teammates. If you are unsure about the outcome, create a backup branch first with `git branch backup-branch`. Finally, practice rebasing on dummy branches to build confidence before applying it to critical projects.
FAQ
Q: Can I undo a rebase if I make a mistake?
A: Yes
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