Git Reset

Reset

Purpose

Move HEAD and optionally unstage or discard changes.

Commands

git reset <file>

• Unstage a file while keeping its working tree changes
• Use when you added something by mistake
• Example: git reset src/app.py

git reset --soft HEAD~1

• Remove the last commit but keep all changes staged
• Use when the last commit message or content should be redone

git reset --mixed HEAD~1

• Remove the last commit and keep changes unstaged
• Use when you want to recommit in a different shape

git reset --hard HEAD~1

• Remove the last commit and discard all associated local changes
• Use only when you are certain the discarded work is not needed

Notes

• git reset --hard is destructive and permanently removes local uncommitted work from the working tree
• Avoid resetting shared branch history unless you understand the impact on collaborators

Reference

• https://github.com/BankyBluePrints/banky-smart-prompts/blob/main/prompts/devops-tools/git/git-basics/undo/reset.md