how to revert a push in git

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

07-02-2025

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Pushing commits to a Git repository is a crucial part of collaborative development. However, sometimes mistakes happen. Maybe you pushed code with bugs, or perhaps you accidentally pushed commits you didn't intend to share. Fortunately, Git provides several ways to undo a push, allowing you to revert to a previous state of your remote repository. This guide will walk you through the different methods, explaining each approach and its implications. We'll cover situations ranging from simple fixes to more complex scenarios requiring force pushing (a technique to be used cautiously).

Understanding the Difference Between git revert and git reset

Before diving into the specific steps, it's crucial to understand the difference between two common Git commands: git revert and git reset. These commands serve distinct purposes when dealing with unwanted commits.

• git revert: This command creates a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by a specific commit. This is generally the safest approach, as it preserves the history of your repository. It's preferred for public branches where you don't want to rewrite history.

• git reset: This command modifies the project history by moving the branch pointer to a different commit. This approach is more powerful but riskier, especially if others have already pulled the commits you're trying to remove. We'll explore how to use it carefully in certain situations.

Method 1: Revert a Push Using git revert (The Safe Approach)

This method is the recommended approach when dealing with commits already pushed to a remote repository, particularly shared branches. It's safer because it maintains the integrity of your commit history.

Steps:

1. Identify the commit: Determine the SHA-1 hash of the commit you want to revert. You can find this using git log.

2. Revert the commit: Use the following command, replacing <commit-hash> with the actual hash:

   git revert <commit-hash>
   

3. Push the revert commit: After creating the revert commit locally, push it to the remote repository:

   git push origin <branch-name>
   

This creates a new commit that reverses the changes introduced by the original commit. Your collaborators will see both the original commit and the revert commit in the history, maintaining a clean and understandable project timeline.

Method 2: Revert a Push Using git reset (Use with Caution!)

git reset is a more powerful command, but it directly manipulates the branch's history. Use this method only if you're absolutely certain no one else has pulled the commits you're about to remove and you're comfortable rewriting history. Incorrect use can lead to significant problems in collaborative workflows.

Steps (only use if absolutely necessary and you understand the risks):

1. Identify the commit: Find the SHA-1 hash of the commit before the one you want to remove. This is the commit you want your branch to point to.

2. Reset the branch: Use the following command (replace <commit-hash> with the correct hash and <branch-name> with your branch):

   git reset --hard <commit-hash>
   

3. Force push: This is crucial and risky. Force pushing overwrites the remote branch with your local changes. Only use if you're confident no one else is working on this branch.

   git push --force-with-lease origin <branch-name>
   

   The --force-with-lease option is safer than --force because it checks if the remote branch has changed since your last fetch. If it has, the push will be rejected, preventing accidental overwrites.

Choosing the Right Method

• For public branches where others have pulled the commits, always use git revert. This is the safest and most collaborative approach.

• For private branches or personal projects where you're sure no one else has pulled the commits, git reset --hard followed by git push --force-with-lease might be considered (with extreme caution).

• Always back up your work before performing any potentially destructive Git operations.

Dealing with Merged Commits

If the commit you need to undo has already been merged into another branch, reverting or resetting it on the original branch might not be sufficient. You'll need to perform the revert or reset on the branches that have the merged commit and then push the changes to each branch.

Conclusion

Understanding how to revert a Git push is an essential skill for any developer. While git revert offers a safer, more collaborative approach, knowing how to use git reset responsibly can be invaluable in certain circumstances. Remember to always carefully consider the consequences before rewriting history, prioritizing the safety and collaboration of your team. Always back up your work before undertaking significant Git operations.