How To Revert the Last Merge Commit in Git?

In the world of version control systems, Git stands out as one of the most powerful tools for managing code changes. Whether you're working on a solo project or collaborating with a team, Git helps keep your codebase organized and history intact. However, there are times when you might need to undo a merge commit due to conflicts, mistakes, or any other reason. Knowing how to revert the last merge commit in Git is an essential skill that can save you a lot of trouble and keep your project on track.

Reverting a merge commit is slightly different from reverting a regular commit because a merge commit has two parent commits. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Identify the Merge Commit: 

First, you need to find the hash of the merge commit you want to revert. You can use the git log command to view the commit history:

git log --oneline

Look for the merge commit in the list. It will usually be marked with "Merge".

2. Revert the Merge Commit: 

Once you have identified the commit hash, you can use the git revert command. The -m option is crucial here because it specifies the parent number. Typically, you'll want to use -m 1 to keep the branch history consistent:

git revert -m 1 <merge_commit_hash>

Replace <merge_commit_hash> with the actual hash of the merge commit you want to revert.

3. Resolve Any Conflicts: 

If there are any conflicts as a result of the revert, Git will prompt you to resolve them. Open the conflicting files and edit them to resolve the conflicts. After resolving, you can add the changes:

git add <file_name>

4. Complete the Revert: 

Once all conflicts are resolved and added, complete the revert process by committing the changes:

git commit -m "Revert merge commit <merge_commit_hash>"

This will create a new commit that undoes the changes introduced by the merge commit.

Conclusion

Reverting the last merge commit in Git might seem daunting at first, but with the right steps, it becomes a straightforward process. By identifying the correct commit, using the appropriate git revert command, and resolving any conflicts, you can effectively undo a merge commit and keep your project history clean and organized. Mastering these Git commands enhances your ability to manage your codebase efficiently and tackle any challenges that arise during development.