> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitdeveloperguide.solomonmarvel.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitdeveloperguide.solomonmarvel.com/git-fundamentals/git-basics-practice-scenarios/amending-and-undoing-commits.md).

# Amending and Undoing Commits

#### <mark style="color:blue;">Scenario</mark>

Let's assume you're a developer trying to correct a typo or adding missed changes to an ongoing solution. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1 - **Make the necessary changes to your files**

* Update the files with the required modifications.
* Use any text editor or IDE of your choice to make the changes.

Step 2 - **Stage the changes**

Use the following command to stage the modified files:

```bash
git add <file1> <file2> ...
```

Step 3: **Amend the commit**

* To incorporate the changes into the most recent commit, use the following command:

```bash
git commit --amend
```

* This will open a text editor where you can modify the commit message.
* Save and close the editor to finalize the amended commit.

{% hint style="info" %}
Amending a commit creates a new commit with a new commit ID. Therefore, it is recommended to only amend commits that have not been pushed to a remote repository.
{% endhint %}

### Reverting to a Previous Commit

Reverting a commit is useful when you want to undo the changes introduced by a specific commit without removing it from the commit history. There are two primary methods to achieve this: using `git revert` and using `git reset`. Let's explore both approaches:

#### **Using `git revert`**

The `git revert` command creates a new commit that undoes the changes made in a previous commit while keeping the commit history intact.

Step 1: **Identify the commit to revert**.

* Use `git log` to view the commit history and identify the commit hash of the commit you want to revert.

Step 2: **Revert the commit**.

* Execute the following command to revert the identified commit:

```bash
git revert <commit-hash>
```

* Git will create a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by the specified commit.

#### Using `git reset`

The `git reset` command allows you to reset the branch pointer to a previous commit, effectively removing commits from the commit history. This method should be used with caution, as it modifies the commit history.

Step 1: **Identify the commit to reset to.**

* Use `git log` to find the commit hash of the commit you want to reset to.

Step 2: **Reset the branch.**

* Execute the following command to reset the branch to the specified commit:

```bash
git reset --hard <commit-hash>
```

This will remove the commits after the specified commit and reset the branch pointer.

Note: When using `git reset`, be cautious as it discards commits permanently.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is not recommended to use `git reset` on commits that have been pushed to a remote repository.
{% endhint %}