How to Revert a Commit in Git Without Issues

March 3, 2025

Mistakes happen. We’ve all been there, working tirelessly on a project, only to realize that a commit in your Git repository went awry. While Git’s versatility is powerful, it can seem daunting when faced with challenges like these.

Knowing how to revert a commit in Git is a key skill for anyone dealing with version control. In this article, I’ll guide you through Git’s rollback techniques like git revert, git reset, and git checkout.

By following this article, you’ll learn practical steps to safely undo changes and restore the desired state of your repository. We’ll look into methods to handle these situations efficiently, ensuring your code remains on track.

You’ll also gain insights about related concepts like branch management and conflict resolution, using tools such as GitHub and Bitbucket effectively. By the end, you’ll be ready to tackle Git commits confidently and keep your codebase clean and organized.

How To Revert A Commit In Git: Quick Workflow

Reverting a commit in Git can be achieved using the git revert command. This command creates a new commit that reverses the changes made by the commit you want to revert, preserving the commit history. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Revert a Commit

Identify the Commit to Revert:
Use git log or git reflog to find the commit hash of the commit you want to revert. The commit hash is a unique identifier for each commit.
Use the git revert Command:
Once you have the commit hash, you can revert the commit using the following command:
git revert <commit-hash>
Replace <commit-hash> with the actual hash of the commit you want to revert.
Provide a Commit Message:
After running the command, Git will open an editor for you to enter a commit message explaining why you reverted the commit. You can also use the --no-edit option if you don’t want to edit the message:
git revert --no-edit <commit-hash>
Push the Changes:
If you want to update the remote repository with the revert, use:
git push origin <branch-name>

Example

Suppose you want to revert a commit with the hash 4945db2. Here’s how you would do it:

git revert 4945db2

Difference Between `git revert` and `git reset`

git revert: Creates a new commit that reverses the changes of the specified commit, preserving the commit history.
git reset: Moves the branch pointer to a specified commit, effectively removing commits from the history. It should be used with caution, especially in shared repositories.

When to Use Each

Use git revert when you want to undo changes without altering the commit history, especially in shared repositories.
Use git reset when you want to undo changes locally before pushing them to a shared repository.

Understanding Git Revert

maxresdefault How to Revert a Commit in Git Without Issues

What is Git Revert?

Definition and Purpose

Git Revert is a command that helps you undo changes in a Git repository. Unlike other commands, it doesn’t erase history. Instead, it creates a new commit that inverts the changes of a previous one. This keeps everything intact, maintaining the chain of events.

How Git Revert Differs from Other Undo Commands

While both git reset and git revert aim to undo changes, they act differently. Git Revert is non-destructive. It safely records a reverse operation, ensuring the commit log stays untouched, making it ideal for collaborative environments like GitHub and Bitbucket.

Key Characteristics of Git Revert

Non-Destructive Nature

Using Git Revert doesn’t remove any commits. Instead, it thoughtfully logs a new commit that cancels the undesired changes, allowing you to keep a clear record of what happened. This is crucial for project transparency.

Preservation of Commit History

With Git Revert, your commit history remains unchanged. Every action is accounted for, assisting tools like GitLens in tracking developments over time. This practice builds a reliable record of the project’s progression.

Safety for Shared Repositories

In projects on platforms like GitLab, Git Revert offers safety. It prevents conflicts by not erasing the existing commits, making it suitable for team settings where shared history is important.

When to Use Git Revert

Use Git Revert when you need to undo changes without affecting the commit history. This is key in collaborative settings where preserving changes is paramount. Whether fixing an error or backtracking on a feature, revert ensures stability without concealing prior developments.

How Git Revert Works

The Mechanics of Git Revert

Identifying the Commit to Revert

To start, dig into the repository history using git log. This command displays commits, letting you pick which to undo. Each commit is unique, identified by its commit hash. Knowing this hash is key in directing Git for the change back.

Creating an Inverse Commit

Next, Git Revert creates a new commit that undoes changes in the specified commit. This doesn’t discard your work but rather makes a new entry, reversing effects. It’s like flipping a switch back, keeping things safe and reliable.

Updating the Repository History

After running git revert, the repository updates with the inverse commit. This keeps the version history intact. Visibility is key—preserving changes without hiding what’s been corrected. Watch your actions in tools like GitKraken for clarity.

Git Revert vs. Git Reset

Differences in Functionality

Git Revert and Git Reset serve similar purposes but diverge in approach. Revert is like a new entry in a diary, while reset might erase pages. Revert is safer in shared environments like Bitbucket, as it doesn’t disrupt history or collaboration.

Situations Where Each is Preferable

Use Git Revert when tracking changes matters—a project on GitHub benefits from clear versions. Opt for Git Reset when amending local progress without shared repercussions. Each has a place in your Git toolkit, distinct with its advantages and risk levels.

Performing a Git Revert

Step-by-Step Guide to Reverting a Commit

Checking Commit History with Git Log

Start by running git log in your terminal. This unveils a detailed record of all commits. Observe the commit hash, author, and message. Understanding your project’s past actions is critical before deciding which commit requires attention.

Finding the Commit Hash to Revert

Once the git log has done its magic, find the commit hash. This hash is the unique identifier for the commit you wish to target. It’s a string of numbers and letters—short but powerful—guiding you directly to the needed changes.

Executing the Git Revert Command

Armed with the commit hash, execute the git revert <commit-hash> command. Results in the creation of an inverse commit. Impact is reversed while everything else stays clean and safe in your repository. Reverting keeps your version tracking smooth.

Handling Merge Conflicts (if applicable)

Sometimes, Git Revert isn’t seamless due to merge conflicts. Conflicts need addressing manually. Git status helps spot these troubles, allowing you to fix and stage files to resolve problems. Without tackling these, the process stalls.

Verifying the Revert Action

Post-revert, it’s time to verify. Use git log again to confirm the inverse commit is part of your project history. This ensures that corrective measures are successful and your Git repository remains consistent and correct.

Writing a Meaningful Commit Message

Importance of Clear Commit Messages

A clear commit message is more than words. It’s a record, a guide for future you or other team members. Commit messages should succinctly convey the motive behind actions. Time-saving and directs attention when depths of past work are explored.

Best Practices for Writing Commit Messages

Start with a brief summary in the message’s subject line. Be precise. Detail additional context in the body if required. Remember, tools like Visual Studio Code integrate well with such practices, promoting clarity and ease within a team setting.

Using Git Revert in Different Environments

Git Revert in the Command Line

Command line is the powerhouse for developers. To revert a commit here, you simply need the commit hash. Type git revert <commit-hash>, and Git gets to work, adding a reverse commit. It’s efficient, no GUI frills, just raw power. The terminal is precision, a direct communication line with your repository.

Git Revert in Git Kraken

Git Kraken adds a visual flair to Git operations. Drag and drop happiness. See your commit history like on a timeline. To revert, right-click the commit, select “Revert commit.” It’s intuitive, making conflict resolution and history navigation a breeze. This tool supports team collaboration, facilitating smooth transitions from one state to another effortlessly.

Git Revert in GitLens (VS Code Extension)

Inside Visual Studio Code, GitLens serves as your eyes. It offers deep insights into the version control system with real-time history views. To revert, find the commit in the sidebar, hit revert… and that’s it. Understanding changes and their impact in this environment is seamless, giving contextual awareness. Essential for managing open-source projects effectively.

Comparing Git Revert and Git Reset

Definition and Purpose of Git Reset

Git Reset is like a magic eraser. It removes commits, altering your current branch state. Rewind time without leaving a trace of the adjustments in your history. Ideal for local fixes. Unlike revert, it takes changes and rolls it back as if it never existed.

Types of Git Reset

Soft Reset

Soft Reset nudges your repository back while keeping changes staged. Run git reset --soft <commit> to uncommit while maintaining visibility in the index. Staging area remains intact, so later actions are straightforward.

Mixed Reset

This type does more. git reset --mixed <commit> retains your work area but unstages changes. Useful for when you want to suddenly reverse a commit and reconsider what gets staged again. The default behavior when no flag is specified.

Hard Reset

Hard reset is serious business. git reset --hard <commit> obliterates changes from both the working directory and the staging area. It’s a clean slate but dangerous. Lost data is real, so be sure. Resets to a previous state—leaves no survivors. Not for the faint-hearted.

When to Use Git Reset vs. Git Revert

The decision between reset and revert depends on the project. Use Git Reset if changes are still local and erasing them causes no harm to others. Ideal for cleaning up your local repository. Git Revert, on the other hand, is your play in shared environments. It adds a safety net, preserving history while reversing actions—perfect for platforms like GitHub, ensuring collaboration isn’t disrupted by past errors. Always know which tool best suits your situation, as both offer powerful ways to manage your version control.

FAQ on How To Revert A Commit In Git

How do I undo the last commit in Git?

To undo the last commit, use git reset --soft HEAD~1 if you want to keep the changes, but remove the commit. For a complete rollback without changes, git reset --hard HEAD~1 will do. Always ensure you’re certain before using the hard reset.

What’s the difference between git reset and git revert?

Git reset alters the history—it’s as if the commit never happened. On the other hand, git revert creates a new commit that undoes the changes of a specific commit. Reverting is safer for shared repositories, like those on GitHub, as it maintains history integrity.

Can I revert a pushed commit?

Absolutely, you can. Use git revert to safely undo a pushed commit. This command generates a new commit that undoes the changes.

If the commit has merge conflicts, resolve them before committing. It’s a key approach for maintaining integrity in repositories like Bitbucket.

Is it possible to revert multiple commits at once?

Yes, you can revert multiple commits. Use git revert with the -n (no-commit) flag in a range: git revert -n HEAD~3..HEAD.

This stops automatic committing, allowing you to handle each revert individually and manage any potential conflicts effectively. GitLab provides documentation on this.

How can I undo a commit in a branch?

Undoing a commit in a branch mirrors other areas. Use git reset if you plan to rewrite history or git revert for a historical trail.

If changes are pushed, prefer reverting. Branches are crucial in Git’s architecture, and understanding their use improves your coding flow.

Can I undo changes after a commit without losing my work?

Yes, use git reset --soft HEAD^ to undo a commit while keeping changes staged. For unstaged changes, try git reset HEAD~1. These allow a redo of the commit. Tools like Sourcetree also guide you visually through reverting while maintaining your work intact.

How do I handle conflicts when reverting a commit?

Conflicts can emerge during revert. Git will stop and display conflicts that need resolving. Edit conflicting files, mark them resolved with git add, then complete the revert with git commit. Practice with dummy repositories to gain confidence handling conflict resolution.

What happens when I use git reset –hard?

Using git reset --hard resets both the staging area and working directory to a specific state, discarding everything since then. It is powerful but can mean permanent loss of untracked changes, so be sure. It’s often used in isolated development branches.

Should I revert before or after merging?

Ideally, revert before merging to prevent the propagation of unwanted changes into other branches. If already merged, revert the merge commit itself. Understanding git workflows, including push requests on GitHub or Bitbucket, keeps your commits clean and planned.

How do I view commit history in Git?

Use git log to view commit history. To narrow down, git log --oneline gives a condensed version. For graphical interfaces, GitKraken or Tower offer visual commit history exploration, making it easy to identify and manage previous commits.

Conclusion

Mastering how to revert a commit in Git streamlines your coding process and keeps your workflow intact. This guide equips you with tools like git revert and git reset, each offering unique solutions. By understanding these commands, you manage version histories confidently, addressing errors without losing valuable work.

Key Takeaways:

Maintaining Integrity: Revert safely with commands preserving your commit history.
Tools Matter: Platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitKraken support effective repository management.
Safe Measures: Always backup before significant changes. Helping you avoid unforeseen data loss.
Branch Management: Use branches to test and revert changes, ensuring coding remains organized and recoverable.

Gain a practical edge over challenges in code versioning. Approach Git with confidence, rectifying mistakes and refining code structure without stress. Successfully navigate the landscape of version control, where each command becomes a step toward smoother, error-free development.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.