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Pradumna Saraf
Pradumna Saraf

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Renaming Git Commit Messages: A Quick and Easy Guide

In Git, it's common to realize that the last commit message needs modification. Whether it's a typo or missing information, Git provides a simple solution to rename the last commit message. Here's a quick guide on how to do it.

Steps:

  1. Open your terminal or command prompt in the repository's root directory.

  2. Use the command:

git commit --amend -m "New commit message"
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Replace "New commit message" with your revised message.

  1. Save and exit the text editor that opens.

  2. Verify the changes using:

git log
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  1. Optionally, force push the modified commit with:
git push --force
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Caution:
Modifying the commit message involves rewriting the commit history. If you have already pushed the previous commit to a remote repository, be careful when force pushing the modified commit. It can affect other collaborators and their local repositories. Exercise caution and consider discussing with your team before force pushing modified commits.

Conclusion:
Renaming the last commit message in Git is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can easily modify and update the commit message to accurately reflect your changes. However, be cautious when rewriting commit history to avoid unintended consequences for collaborators.

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Top comments (19)

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agusrdz profile image
Agustín Rodríguez

Good explanation, one thing I do different is use git push --force-with-lease instead of the regular force in order to avoid rewrite whole history from my teammates.

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samuelfaure profile image
Samuel-Zacharie FAURE

Agreed, I use --force-with-lease 200 times for every 1 time when I'll actually want --force

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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bradpendley profile image
Brad Pendley

Nicely done! This is also useful for coauthors to add their messages through commit trailers.

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you, Brad

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efrenmarin profile image
Efren Marin

Yes, I was thinking the exact same thing!

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matek075 profile image
Matek

Briefly and succinctly

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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gerimate profile image
Geri Máté

Very useful when you forget that you should follow conventional commits

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Haha. I agree. Thank you.

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vishnusatheesh profile image
Vishnu Satheesh

Nice Explanation.

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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kurealnum profile image
Oscar

That's really useful and simple to do! Definitely using this next time I screw up a commit message.

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mannu profile image
Mannu

Good Explanation.

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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bullbiased profile image
Bull

Pretty cool, blog

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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slodhimantras profile image
SLodhiMantras • Edited

good explanation

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pradumnasaraf profile image
Pradumna Saraf

Thank you.

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