What is HEAD in Git?

HEAD is a pointer to the current commit you are working with.

How HEAD works

• usually HEAD points to a branch (for example, main);
• the branch, in turn, points to the last commit;
• new commits are added wherever HEAD points.

HEAD → main → C5

#Detached HEAD

HEAD can point to a specific commit, rather than to a branch:

• this state is called detached HEAD;
• commits made in this state do not belong to a branch;
• such commits can be lost when switching branches.

HEAD → C3

#Why HEAD is needed

• it determines which branch you are currently working on;
• it controls where the next commit will be written;
• it allows moving through the project's history.

#Short answer for an interview

HEAD is a pointer to the current commit or branch, defining the working state of the repository.