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git reset

  • Used to undo changes by moving HEAD

  • Can affect:

    • Commit history
    • Staging area
    • Working directory

Common Commands

git reset file.txt           # Unstage a specific file
git reset                    # Unstage all staged files

git reset --soft <commit>    # Move HEAD to commit, keep staged & working files
git reset --mixed <commit>   # Move HEAD to commit, unstage changes (default)
git reset --hard <commit>    # Move HEAD to commit, discard staged & working changes

Undo Last Commit

git reset HEAD~               # Undo last commit, keep changes staged
git reset --soft HEAD~        # Same as above
git reset --mixed HEAD~       # Undo last commit, unstage changes
git reset --hard HEAD~        # Undo last commit, discard changes completely

Dangerous but Useful

git reset --hard               # Restore working directory to last commit
git reset --hard <commit-hash> # Reset to specific commit, discard all changes

When to Use

  • --soft → fix commit message or regroup commits
  • --mixed → redo staging
  • --hard → discard unwanted work