Both git reset and git revert are used to undo changes in Git, but they serve different purposes and have distinct behaviors. Understanding the difference between these two commands is essential for effective version control. Below is a detailed explanation of both, along with sample commands.

1. What is Git Reset?

The git reset command is used to move the current branch pointer to a specific commit, effectively resetting the branch's history. This command can alter the commit history and is typically used to undo changes in a local repository.

When to Use Git Reset

Use git reset when you want to:

• Undo changes in your local repository.
• Move the branch pointer to a previous commit.
• Discard commits that have not been pushed to a remote repository.

Types of Git Reset

There are three types of git reset:

• Soft Reset: Moves the branch pointer but keeps the changes in the staging area.

git reset --soft <commit-hash>

• Mixed Reset: Moves the branch pointer and resets the staging area, but keeps the changes in the working directory.

git reset --mixed <commit-hash>

• Hard Reset: Moves the branch pointer, resets the staging area, and discards changes in the working directory.

git reset --hard <commit-hash>

Example of Git Reset

To reset the current branch to a previous commit with the hash abc1234 and discard all changes, run:

git reset --hard abc1234

2. What is Git Revert?

The git revert command is used to create a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by a specific commit. This command does not alter the commit history and is typically used to undo changes in a shared repository.

When to Use Git Revert

Use git revert when you want to:

• Undo changes in a shared repository without altering the commit history.
• Create a new commit that reverses the effects of a previous commit.
• Maintain a clean and linear commit history.

Example of Git Revert

To revert a commit with the hash abc1234, run:

git revert abc1234

This command creates a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by the commit abc1234.

3. Key Differences Between Git Reset and Git Revert

The table below summarizes the key differences between git reset and git revert:

4. Conclusion

In summary, git reset and git revert are both valuable tools for managing changes in Git, but they serve different purposes. Use git reset when you need to alter the commit history in a local repository, and use git revert when you want to safely undo changes in a shared repository without affecting the commit history. Understanding when to use each command will help you maintain a clean and effective version control workflow.