error: Your local changes to the following files would be overwritten by merge

This error message occurs when you try to use git merge but there are uncommitted changes in your local repository that conflict with the incoming changes from the remote branch. Git prevents overwriting your local work without your knowledge.

Here are three ways to resolve this error and proceed with the merge:

Option 1: Commit your local changes:

• Review your local changes in the README.md file using git diff README.md.

• If you're happy with your changes, add them to the staging area using
  
  git add README.md
  

• Commit your changes with a descriptive message using git commit -m "Your commit message".

• Then, you can retry the merge command:
  

git merge <branch_name>

Option 2: Stash your local changes:

• This temporarily stores your local changes without committing them.
• Use git stash to save your changes.
• Proceed with the merge:

git merge <branch_name>

• After the merge is complete, you can apply your stashed changes back using git stash pop.

Option 3: Discard your local changes (not recommended)

• This is the least recommended option as it permanently discards your local modifications.
• Use with caution!
• You can discard changes in README.md with:

git checkout -- README.md (replaces your local version with the remote version).

• Then, retry the merge:

git merge <branch_name>.

Choosing the best approach:

• If you want to keep your local changes in README.md and integrate them with the remote branch, commit them (option 1).
• If you're unsure about your local changes and want to temporarily store them for later, stash them (option 2). Only discard changes (option 3) if you're absolutely sure you don't need them anymore.