[Example] How to Undo Git Commits

Made a Git mistake? Here's how to fix it.

Undo Options at a Glance

• git reset: Move branch pointer backward (local changes only)
• git revert: Create new commit that undoes changes (safe for shared repos)
• git checkout: Temporarily view old commit
• git restore: Fix specific files

Undoing Last Commit

git reset --soft HEAD~1   # Keep changes staged
git reset HEAD~1          # Keep changes unstaged
git reset --hard HEAD~1   # Delete changes (caution!)

For Shared Repositories

git revert HEAD           # Undo last commit
git revert HEAD~3..HEAD   # Undo last three commits

Exploring Old Commits

git checkout a1b2c3d      # View old commit
git checkout main         # Return to latest

Fixing Specific Files

git restore --source=a1b2c3d file.txt  # Restore from commit
git restore file.txt                   # Restore from HEAD

Undoing Middle Commits

git revert a1b2c3d        # Reverse specific commit

Recovering Deleted Work

git reflog                # Find lost commits
git checkout a1b2c3d      # Go to lost commit
git branch recovery       # Save to new branch

Best Practices

1. Use branches to isolate work
2. Commit small changes
3. Write clear messages
4. Push regularly
5. Use --hard cautiously

Remember: Git preserves history, so recovery is usually possible.

References

• Git Documentation
• Pro Git Book