Git Branch Renaming: Steps to Safely Modify Local and Remote Branch Names
### Guide to Renaming Git Branches Renaming branches is necessary to improve code structure clarity due to early naming inconsistencies, collaboration requirements, or logical adjustments. Ensure no uncommitted changes exist locally (`git status` for verification) and notify the team to avoid conflicts before proceeding. **Renaming a Local Branch**: Execute `git branch -m old_branch_name new_branch_name`, e.g., `git branch -m dev_old dev`. Verify with `git branch`. **Renaming a Remote Branch**: Since Git does not support direct renaming, follow these steps: ① Delete the remote old branch (`git push origin --delete old_branch_name`; irreversible, confirm content first); ② Push the local new branch (`git push origin new_branch_name`); ③ Optionally set upstream tracking (`git branch --set-upstream-to origin/new_branch_name`). Verification: Check remote branches with `git branch -r` and switch to test the new branch. **Notes**: Synchronize with the team when working collaboratively, rename after merging, and back up remote branches before deletion.
Read MoreGit Version Control Basics: What is a Commit Hash? Why is It Important?
In Git, each commit generates a unique 40-character hexadecimal string called the commit hash, which serves as the "ID number" for the commit. It is generated by hashing the commit content (files, messages, timestamps, etc.) using a hash algorithm, and remains unchanged if the content remains identical. The significance of commit hash lies in four aspects: First, it uniquely identifies versions, facilitating the location of historical commits via `git log`. Second, it is the core for version rollbacks (`git checkout`/`revert`) and branch management, enabling the recognition of commit order. Third, it distinguishes modifications from different developers during collaboration to avoid confusion. Fourth, it is tamper-proof, acting as an "anchor" for historical records. For practical use, it is sufficient to remember the first 7 characters daily. These can be viewed through `git log` and used to operate commands like `git checkout`, `revert`, and `branch`. As a cornerstone of Git version control, commit hash ensures clearer historical tracking, rollbacks, and collaboration. **Core**: A unique 40-character hexadecimal string generated from commit content, critical for version management, collaboration, and rollbacks.
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