Git Undo Made Simple: Introducing Ugit
Git has become the industry-standard version control system, favored by the majority of developers. While Git is easy to learn, mastering it can be a challenge. One common problem is dealing with mistakes; Git doesn't provide a straightforward "undo" button. This article introduces Ugit, a command-line tool that makes undoing Git actions interactive and user-friendly.
Installation
Before installing Ugit, you'll need to install fzf, a command-line fuzzy finder used internally by Ugit. You can easily install it with your default package manager. The following commands are tested on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS:
sudo apt install fz
Ugit isn't available through package managers, so you'll need to clone the repository and run the installation script. However, be cautious when running arbitrary scripts. It's best to visit the GitHub repository first, inspect the script, and then execute it.
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Bhupesh-V/ugit/master/install)"
Ugit in Action
After successful installation, open your terminal and simply type ugit
, followed by Enter.
Ugit can undo various Git commands, and you can select the desired action using the arrow keys. Let's explore a couple of common scenarios.
If you've made an erroneous commit, Ugit has your back. It's as easy as selecting the commit you wish to undo, and Ugit handles the rest, equivalent to git reset HEAD~
.
Accidentally deleted a file and don't want to revert to a previous commit? Ugit can help you recover the deleted file effortlessly.
An added convenience is the ability to search for commands by simply typing, making your Git workflow even more efficient.
Ugit's capabilities go beyond just undoing commits and file deletions. Here's a comprehensive list of what Ugit can handle:
git commit
git add
git push
git branch -D
git pull
git reset
git tag -d
git stash apply
git stash pop/drop/clear
Accidental file deletion
git merge
git cherry-pick
git tag
Conclusion
While Ugit is a handy tool for simplifying Git tasks, it's essential to understand the basics of Git. Relying solely on Ugit can be risky. Think of it as using a calculator without understanding math; you may inadvertently harm your repository if you don't have a grasp of Git fundamentals.
For precise details on how Ugit accomplishes these tasks, refer to this page from Ugit’s author.
Additional Resources
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