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Mastering Git: Resolving "Not Possible to Fast-Forward, Aborting" Error

FOLASAYO SAMUEL OLAYEMI on January 11, 2024

Introduction: In the world of version control, Git is an indispensable tool for managing collaborative software development. However, en...
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Lymah •

Thanks for sharing.

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FOLASAYO SAMUEL OLAYEMI •

You are welcome.

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Tony Drake •

Thank you for helping me on this - Question, do i add this command git push origin 3-app-docker-image --force after I make updates in my branch then push to the main?

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FOLASAYO SAMUEL OLAYEMI •

Of course, I'm happy to help! When it comes to pushing updates from your branch to the main branch, it's generally best to avoid using --force unless absolutely necessary, as it can overwrite changes and potentially cause issues for others working on the same repository. Here’s what you should do instead:

  1. First, update your local main branch: 
   git checkout main
   git pull origin main
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  1. Rebase your branch with the latest main branch changes: 
   git checkout 3-app-docker-image
   git rebase main
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During the rebase, resolve any conflicts that may arise.

  1. Push your changes: 
   git push origin 3-app-docker-image
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  1. Create a pull request (PR) from your branch to the main branch.

However, if you find yourself needing to use --force, perhaps due to a rebase or significant changes, proceed with caution:

  1. Force push your branch: 
   git push origin 3-app-docker-image --force
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But, it’s always best to avoid --force on shared branches. Instead, ensure everyone is aligned with the rebasing process if you need to rewrite history.

So, to answer your question: after making updates in your branch, you should ideally push your changes without using --force and create a pull request. Only use --force if absolutely necessary and with caution.

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Tony Drake •

5.Push the Changes:
After resolving conflicts and completing the rebase, force-push the changes back to the remote repository:

Will this mess up the main branch that's already been merged?

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FOLASAYO SAMUEL OLAYEMI •

When you force-push changes to a remote branch, it can indeed potentially disrupt the history and cause issues, especially if others are working on the same branch. However, if you're force-pushing to your feature branch (e.g., 3-app-docker-image), it won't directly affect the main branch as long as you handle the merge or rebase carefully.

Here's how I would explain it:

Question: Will force-pushing the changes after resolving conflicts and completing the rebase mess up the main branch that's already been merged?

Answer:

Force-pushing (git push --force) is generally safe when done on a feature branch like 3-app-docker-image, but it should be used with caution. Here’s why:

  1. Feature Branch Safety: When you force-push to your own feature branch (3-app-docker-image), it doesn't directly affect the main branch. The force-push modifies the history of your feature branch but keeps it isolated from main.

  2. Potential Risks: If others are also working on the same feature branch, force-pushing can disrupt their work by rewriting history. It's important to communicate with your team before doing so.

  3. Merging to Main: Once you’re ready to merge your feature branch into main, you should ensure that main is up to date. Do a regular merge or a non-force push to integrate your changes safely.

Here’s a safer approach:

  1. Update Your Local Main Branch: 
   git checkout main
   git pull origin main
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  1. Rebase Your Feature Branch: 
   git checkout 3-app-docker-image
   git rebase main
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  1. Resolve Conflicts (if any), then push: 
   git push origin 3-app-docker-image --force
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  1. Create a Pull Request: Merge your feature branch into main via a pull request, allowing code reviews and additional safety checks.

By following this process, you ensure that your force-push won’t directly affect the main branch, maintaining a clean and stable codebase.

This approach helps maintain the integrity of the main branch while allowing you to manage your feature branch effectively.