Git Rebase vs. Merge: A Complete Guide

This article defines both Git rebase and merge, how they work, and how they’re similar and different. We will also look at each option’s pros and cons, strategies, and how they can be used together. Furthermore, we’ll look at a Git rebase example and touch on other related topics such as Git reset and a squash and merge vs. rebase and merge comparison.

What Is Git Rebase?

Git rebase is a command that lets users integrate changes from one branch to another, and the logs are modified once the action is complete. Git rebase was developed to overcome merging’s shortcomings, specifically regarding logs.

What Is Git Merge?

Git merge is a command that allows developers to merge Git branches while the logs of commits on branches remain intact.

The merge wording can be confusing because we have two methods of merging branches, and one of those ways is actually called “merge,” even though both procedures do essentially the same thing.

In summary, here’s an image that shows an initial branch, a Git rebase, and a Git merge.

The Workings of Git Rebase and Merge

Git rebase takes all the changes, and compresses them into a single patch and integrates this new patch onto the target branch. Then, it moves the completed work from one branch to another, typically the master branch. In the process, rebase flattens the history, removing unwanted entries.

Git merge, on the other hand, only changes the target branch and creates a commit, preserving the history of the source branch.

Git Rebase and Git Merge Similarities

Both the rebase and merge commands exist for the same reason: they combine the work of multiple developers into a single entity, integrating changes between branches. That about sums up their similarities. On the other hand, their differences are considerably more profound.

What’s the Difference Between Merge and Rebase?

Git Rebase vs. Merge Strategies

Your branching strategy must factor in the roles, goals, and shape of your organization. After all, Git merge and Git rebase are viable merging strategies (more on that later). In addition, you must consider factors such as your organization/team's Git competence and level of rebase.

What matters more to your team? Is it the simplicity of rebasing or the history and traceability of merging? An effective merging strategy relies on comparing team needs against available resources.

How Do You Use Git Rebase and Git Merge Together?

It’s possible to use both Git rebase and Git merge in the same project. For example, you can work on a feature branch, create another feature branch off it, make your changes, and finalize them as commits. You could then Git merge both feature branches, then use a Git rebase to merge the feature branches into the main branch. This way, you, as the developer, can do you work on a feature branch, but other team members won’t see it when they look at the main branch.

Put another way; you can use Git rebase to work on a private branch, then do Git merge to bring everything together into one coherent timeline.

What’s a Git Reset?

Git reset is a powerful command that undoes changes, moving the repository back to a previous commit, and eliminating any changes made after the commit. It’s literally hitting the “reset” button, undoing local changes.