If you are learning Git, two terms that confuse most beginners are Git reset and Git rebase. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, we’ll explain them step by step with examples, differences, and interview questions.
This guide is perfect if you’ve searched for:
- What is Git reset and rebase?
- Git reset and rebase difference
- Git reset and rebase interview questions
- Git reset vs rebase explained simply
- Beginner Git tutorial
What is Git Reset?
Git reset is like pressing the undo button in Git. It moves your branch back to a previous commit. Depending on the option, it can either keep or delete your changes.
Types of Git Reset:
- Soft Reset (
git reset --soft)- Moves HEAD to an older commit.
- Keeps all changes in the staging area.
- Use when you want to re-commit without losing changes.
- Mixed Reset (
git reset --mixed)(default)- Moves HEAD back.
- Keeps your files but unstages them.
- Use when you want to edit before staging again.
- Hard Reset (
git reset --hard)- Moves HEAD back and removes all changes.
- ⚠️ Be careful — this will delete your work permanently.
👉 Example:
git reset --hard HEAD~1
This removes the last commit and resets the branch to the previous state.
What is Git Rebase?
Git rebase is like reorganizing your commits to look neat. Instead of branching off in multiple directions, rebase makes history straight and clean.
How Git Rebase Works:
git checkout feature-branch
git rebase main
This takes commits from feature-branch and places them on top of the latest main branch.
👉 Think of it like moving your work to the front of the line.
Git Reset vs Git Rebase: Key Differences
| Feature | Git Reset 🛠️ | Git Rebase 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Undo or remove commits | Replay commits on another branch |
| Effect on History | Can delete or move commits | Creates a clean, linear history |
| Typical Use Case | Fix local mistakes, clean staging | Clean history before merging branches |
Why Learn Git Reset and Rebase?
- Makes you faster at debugging mistakes.
- Keeps Git history clean and professional.
- Commonly asked in developer job interviews.
- Shows you understand Git beyond just
commitandpush.
If you’re preparing for Git interview questions, reset and rebase will almost always appear.
Git Reset and Rebase Interview Questions
1. What is the difference between Git reset and Git rebase?
Answer:
git resetmoves HEAD and can delete or keep changes depending on--soft,--mixed, or--hard.git rebasemoves commits from one branch and re-applies them on another branch for a linear history.- Reset is about undoing commits. Rebase is about replaying commits.
👉 Explanation: Reset modifies commit history locally (destructive if used with --hard). Rebase restructures history across branches, making it cleaner.
2. When should you use Git rebase instead of merge?
Answer:
Use rebase when you want:
- A clean, linear history.
- To update your feature branch with the latest
mainbranch before merging.
👉 Explanation:
mergekeeps all history including branches.rebaserewrites history so it looks like you developed directly onmain.- Avoid rebasing shared/public branches because it rewrites history others may depend on.
✅ Pro Interview Tip: Say: “I use reset locally to clean mistakes and rebase to maintain a clean feature branch before merging.” Recruiters love practical answers.
⚡ Final Thought: If Git is like a storybook, then reset is tearing out pages you don’t want, and rebase is rewriting the story so it flows better.
