Efficiently Undoing Recent Commits- A Step-by-Step Guide to Git Commit Deletion

How to Delete Recent Commit in Git

Deleting a recent commit in Git can be a useful operation when you realize that you’ve made a mistake or want to undo changes that were committed by mistake. This article will guide you through the steps to delete a recent commit in Git, ensuring that your repository remains clean and organized.

Step 1: Check Your Commit History

Before you proceed with deleting a commit, it’s essential to ensure that you’re targeting the correct commit. Use the `git log` command to view your commit history and identify the commit you want to delete.

“`bash
git log
“`

Step 2: Use the `git reset` Command

The `git reset` command is used to reset the current branch to a specified commit. To delete a recent commit, you can use the following syntax:

“`bash
git reset –hard
“`

Replace `` with the hash of the commit you want to delete. This command will discard all commits after the specified commit, including the commit you want to delete.

Step 3: Confirm the Deletion

After running the `git reset` command, Git will ask you to confirm the deletion. Type `yes` and press Enter to proceed.

“`bash
Are you sure you want to remove the following ref(s)?
HEAD
(Use “git reset –soft” to keep the commit in the index)
“`

Step 4: Verify the Deletion

To ensure that the commit has been deleted successfully, use the `git log` command again to check your commit history. You should no longer see the deleted commit in the list.

“`bash
git log
“`

Step 5: Optional: Update Your Local Repository

If you have made any changes to your working directory or staging area after the deleted commit, you may want to update your local repository to reflect these changes. Use the `git checkout` command to reset your working directory and staging area to the state before the deleted commit.

“`bash
git checkout — .
“`

Conclusion

Deleting a recent commit in Git is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a clean and organized repository. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily undo a mistake or remove a commit that was committed by mistake. Remember to always double-check your commit history before deleting a commit to ensure that you’re targeting the correct commit.