What does git rebase --abort do?

git rebase --abort is a command that fully cancels the current rebase and returns the repository to the state it was in before the rebase started.

In simpler terms: "Forget that I ever started a rebase, put everything back."

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#When git rebase --abort is used

The command only works while the rebase is still in progress, for example:

• a conflict occurred
• you realized you picked the wrong branch
• the rebase did not go as planned

If the rebase has already finished, --abort will not help.

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#What exactly happens with --abort

Git:

1. stops the rebase process
2. undoes all changes applied during the rebase
3. returns:

• HEAD
• the current branch
• the working directory to the state before the git rebase command

All the new "replayed" commits disappear.

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#Visually

Before the rebase:

The rebase started, D' was applied, but a conflict occurred on E:

A---B---C---D' (feature)

After git rebase --abort:

As if the rebase never happened.

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#What git rebase --abort does NOT do

does not cancel a rebase that has already finished does not roll back changes if you have already exited the rebase does not affect other branches

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#Why this is safe

• works locally
• does not require a push
• does not rewrite the history of other branches
• can be used without worry as long as the rebase is not finished

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#Interview phrasing

git rebase --abort cancels the current rebase and returns the repository to the state it was in before it started. It is used when something goes wrong during a rebase.

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#Short reminder

• start a rebase → git rebase main
• conflict → fix the code
• continue → git rebase --continue
• changed your mind → git rebase --abort