Deleting the last few commits from a Git repository is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished with a few simple commands. In this guide, we will explain how to delete the last few commits from a git repository, as well as discuss why this might be necessary. We will also provide step-by-step instructions for removing the last few commits from a repository, as well as common issues that may arise in the process. By the end of this guide, you should have a good understanding of how to delete the last few commits from a Git repository.
Delete Last Few Commits from Local Git Repo
To delete the last 5 commits from a Github repository, you can use the git rebase command as follows:
- Check out the branch that you want to modify the commit history of:
git checkout branch_name
- Use the
`git rebase -i HEAD~5`
command to start an interactive rebase of the last 5 commits:git rebase -i HEAD~5
- This will open a text editor with a list of the last 4 commits. To delete a commit, change the word “pick” at the beginning of the line to “drop”. Save and close the file.
- If there are conflicts during the rebase, you will need to resolve them. Once all conflicts are resolved, run:
git rebase --continue
- If the rebase is successful, the commits that you marked as “drop” in the interactive rebase will be removed from the local repository’s history.
Delete Commits from Remote Repository Too
Remove the dropped commits from the remote repository. Push the changes forcefully to the remote repository.
git push origin branch_name --force
Keep in mind that deleting commit history is a destructive operation, as it permanently removes commits from the repository. It is generally not recommended to delete commit history unless it is absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Deleting the last few commits from a Git repository is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the instructions outlined in this guide, you should have no trouble removing the last few commits from a repository. It is important to keep in mind that the process of deleting commits in a Git repository is irreversible, so make sure you are confident in your decisions before you proceed. With the right approach, you can successfully delete the last few commits from a Git repository.