What does the git reset command do?

git reset changes the state of the repository by moving the branch pointer (HEAD) and, depending on the mode, updating the staging area and the working tree.

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#Main purpose

git reset is used for:

• undoing commits
• rolling a branch back to a previous commit
• changing the state of the staging area
• (in hard mode) fully removing changes

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#How git reset works

The command always:

• moves the current branch pointer to the specified commit

Additionally, depending on the mode, it can:

• update the staging area
• update the working directory

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#git reset modes

#--soft

• undoes the commit
• the changes stay in the staging area
• the working files do not change

#--mixed (default)

• undoes the commit
• the staging area is cleared
• the changes stay in the working directory

#--hard

• undoes the commit
• clears the staging area
• removes the changes from the working directory leads to data loss

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#What git reset does NOT do

• it does not create new commits
• it is not intended for public branches

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#Important rule

git reset rewrites history. Safe to use only for local, unpublished commits.

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#Key phrasing for an interview

git reset moves the branch pointer to another commit and, depending on the mode, updates the staging area and the working tree, thereby undoing commits and changing the history.