14 Mar 2024
Advanced
git merge and git rebase are both commands used in Git to integrate changes from one branch into another. However, they have different approaches and implications.
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Git Merge:
- When you merge branches in Git, it combines the changes from the source branch (the branch you are merging from) into the target branch (the branch you are merging into).
- This creates a new commit on the target branch that represents the merge, with two parent commits—one from the target branch and one from the source branch.
- Merging preserves the commit history of both branches, including the branching structure.
- Merging is typically recommended for preserving the chronological order of commits and maintaining a clear history of development.
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Git Rebase:
- When you rebase branches in Git, you are essentially moving the entire branch to begin on the tip of another branch.
- It reapplies each commit from the source branch onto the target branch one by one, effectively rewriting the commit history of the source branch.
- This results in a linear history without the divergent branching structure that merging creates.
- Rebasing can be used to maintain a cleaner, more linear commit history by incorporating the changes from one branch into another as if they had been made on top of the current branch.
- It's important to note that rebasing rewrites commit history, so it should be used with caution, especially when working on shared branches or collaborating with others.
In summary, while both git merge and git rebase are used to integrate changes between branches, they have different effects on the commit history and the structure of the repository. Merging preserves the branch history, while rebasing creates a linear history by moving the entire branch to a new base. The choice between the two depends on the project's workflow and the desired outcome for the commit history.
