What does git restore <file> do?

git restore <file> undoes changes in the specified file in the working tree, returning it to the state of the last commit or the staging area.

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#What exactly the command does

When you run:

Git:

• removes all uncommitted changes in the file
• replaces the file with the version from the staging area, if the file had been added
• if the file was not in the staging area, it takes the version from the last commit

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#What git restore <file> does NOT do

• it does not change the commit history
• it does not affect other files
• it does not work with commits

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#When to use it

• you need to undo local edits in a file
• the file is changed, but there is no need to commit
• you need to quickly return the file to its original state

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#Important to remember

All unsaved changes in the file will be lost. Before using it, make sure you do not need them.

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#Key phrasing for an interview

git restore <file> undoes uncommitted changes in a file and returns it to the last saved state, without affecting the commit history.