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How to Undo Commits Safely in Git: Git Reset and Git Revert Explained

25/11/2024

808

Huy Nguyen K.

Introduction

In software development, mistakes in commits happen more frequently than we would prefer. Imagine you are working on a feature branch and accidentally commit sensitive information, like an API key, or commit in the wrong branch. You quickly realize the need to undo these changes, but as you search for solutions, you come across two common commands: git reset and git revert. Each offers a way to return, but which is right for your situation?

In this article, SupremeTech will explore both commands, how they work, when to use them, and how to decide which approach best addresses your specific needs.

Three trees in Git

Before getting started, it’s important to understand Git’s internal state management systems, called “Git’s three-tree”:

  1. Working Directory: This is the workspace on your local machine, it reflects the current state of your files and any changes made that have not yet been staged or committed. You can see changes in the Working Directory with git status.
  2. Staging Index: This space holds a snapshot of changes ready to be committed. After you’ve made changes in the Working Directory, you can add them to the Staging Index with git add.
  3. Commit History: This is the timeline of saved changes in your project. When you use the git commit command, it takes the changes from the Staging Index and adds them to this history as a new commit.
Git reset and git revert
Figure 1. The Git’s three-tree

The animation above demonstrates Git’s three-tree structure by showing the creation of file1.js and committing it as C1. We add two more examples: file2.js as a C2 commit and file3.js as a C3 commit. These three commits will be used throughout the article as we explore git reset and git revert commands.

Visualizing Git's three-tree with three commits
Figure 2. Visualizing Git’s three-tree with three commits

Undoing commits with git reset

The git reset command allows you to undo changes in your working directory by moving the branch tip back to a specific commit and discarding all commits made after that point.

Visualizing the git reset command
Figure 3. Visualizing the git reset command

After running the command git reset HEAD~1, you’ll notice two changes:

  • The branch tip has moved to the commit C2.
  • The latest commit (C3) has been discarded from the commit history.

The HEAD~1 is a way to reference the commit before the current HEAD. You can use similar syntax to go back further, like HEAD~2 to go back two commits from HEAD. Alternatively, you can specify a particular commit using its hash ID.

The next question is where did the changes from C3 commit go? (the file3.js in this example). Did it delete permanently, or is it saved somewhere? This is where the git reset flags come into play. Bypassing one of the following flags, you can control the changes:

  • –soft: It undoes the commits in the history and places the changes back in the Staging Index, ready to be committed again if needed.
Figure 4. Visualizing git reset command with –soft flag
  • -—mixed (this is the default option): It is similar to—-soft but also clears the Staging Index. This means any changes from the discarded commits are left unstaged in the Working Directory, requiring you to re-add them before re-committing.
Figure 5. Visualizing git reset command with –mixed flag
  • –hard: This option clears all changes from both the Staging Index and Working Directory and resets the codebase to match the specified commit without making any modifications.
Visualizing git reset command with --hard flag
Figure 6. Visualizing git reset command with –hard flag

By using git reset, you’ve successfully undone a specific commit. However, try to push these changes to the remote repository with a regular git push. You’ll get an error because the local commit history no longer matches the remote. To push these changes, you need to use a force push (git push –force). While this command will update the remote branch, it comes with risks – it can overwrite the remote history, creating potential issues for other developers. To avoid these problems, let’s explore a safer alternative:

Undoing public commits with git revert

The git revert command is an undo command, but it doesn’t work like the git reset. Instead of removing a commit from the project history, it creates a new one containing the inverse of the original changes.

Visualizing the git revert command
Figure 7. Visualizing the git revert command

The result of running the command git revert HEAD is a new commit that undoes the changes made in the C3 commit. Since the C3 commit added file3.js, the revert will effectively delete this file. In short, running git revert HEAD will bring your code back to its state at the C2 commit.

You can prevent git revert from automatically creating a new commit by using the -n or –no-commit flag. With this option, the inverse changes are placed in the Staging Index and Working Directory, allowing you to review or modify them before committing.

Visualizing git revert command with --no-commit flag
Figure 8. Visualizing git revert command with –no-commit flag

The git revert command allows you to go back to previous commits without removing any mistake commits. It doesn’t re-write the project history. Because of this, this command should be used to undo changes on a public branch.

What is the difference between Git Reset vs. Git Revert?

The difference between git reset and git revert is that git reset should be used to undo changes in your local history, while git revert should be recommended for undoing changes on a shared or public branch. Both git reset and git revert are commands for undoing changes, but they work differently in key ways:

git resetgit revert
How it worksReverts to a previous state by removing the specified commit.Reverts to a previous state by creating a new commit with inverse changes.
OptionsOffers –mixed, –soft, and –hard flags to control how changes are handled.Offers –no-commit to add inverse changes without automatically committing them.
UsageRecommended for undoing changes in your local history.Recommended for undoing changes on a shared or public branch.

Conclusion

By now, you should clearly understand how to undo changes in a Git repository using git reset and git revert. In short, use git reset for local-only history changes, and use git revert to undo changes on a shared branch safely. Choosing the right command for your situation lets you keep your project history clean and ensures smoother collaboration with your teammates.

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                In a world where your next customer is more likely to be holding a smartphone than a physical menu, a restaurant mobile app has shifted from a novelty to a necessity. The digital storefront is now as crucial as your physical one. Let's explore how a restaurant mobile app development unfold. While third-party delivery giants once seemed like the only way to play the digital game, savvy restaurant owners are now taking back control, building their own branded experiences to foster loyalty and drive sustainable growth. Why Restaurant Mobile App is Necessary for your Business The way customers interact with restaurants has fundamentally changed. The convenience of browsing, ordering, and paying from a mobile device has created a new standard of expectation. A report from Statista highlighted that: Revenue in the Online Food Delivery market is projected to reach US$1.39tn in 2025. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2030) of 7.64%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.02tn by 2030. With a massive portion of that activity happening on mobile devices. Relying solely on third-party platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or GrabFood is a risky strategy. While they offer visibility, they come at a steep price: Crushing Commission Fees: These platforms can charge commissions ranging from 15% to as high as 30% per order, eating directly into your already thin profit margins. Loss of Customer Data: When a customer orders through a third-party app, they are their customer, not yours. You lose access to valuable data about ordering habits, preferences, and contact information, making it impossible to build a direct relationship. Brand Invisibility: On a third-party marketplace, your restaurant is just one logo among a sea of competitors. You have little to no control over the user experience, branding, or how you are presented. A dedicated mobile app flips this dynamic. It becomes your own digital channel, a powerful tool for controlling your brand narrative, cultivating customer loyalty through personalized experiences, and ultimately, growing your sales on your own terms. Define Your Business Goals First Before you you start restaurant mobile app development, you must answer one critical question: What is the primary purpose of this app? A clear objective will guide every decision you make, from features to design to marketing. Don't build an app simply because it's trendy; build it to solve a specific problem for your business and your customers. Consider these common goals for a restaurant app: Streamline Online Ordering & Delivery: This is the most common goal. An app can provide a seamless, branded ordering experience, cutting out the costly middleman and giving you full control over the process from order placement to fulfillment.Boost Customer Loyalty & Retention: An app is the perfect vehicle for a digital loyalty program. You can reward repeat customers with points, exclusive offers, and tiered benefits that keep them coming back. According to the National Restaurant Association’s State of the Restaurant Industry report, 78% of customers say they are more likely to visit a restaurant where they can earn points, even if it isn’t as convenient.Manage Table Reservations or In-Store Pickup: For dine-in establishments, an app that allows customers to book a table in advance can reduce wait times and improve staff efficiency. Similarly, offering a "click-and-collect" option for in-store pickup is a huge convenience for busy customers.Create a Direct Marketing Channel: Push notifications are a game-changer. Imagine being able to send a notification about a "Happy Hour" special on a slow Tuesday afternoon or promote a new menu item directly to your most loyal customers' phones. This direct line of communication is incredibly powerful and cost-effective. Tip: Be clear on what problems the app should solve, don't just build for the sake of trend. A focused app that does one thing exceptionally well is far better than a bloated app that does many things poorly. What Do Your Customers Expect from a Restaurant Mobile App development? Modern diners have high expectations for app usability and convenience. Speed and simplicity are critical in a recent survey 94% of consumers said ‘speed’ of ordering was a top priority. Customers want apps that load quickly, present menus clearly, and let them complete actions with minimal taps.  For example, one-click reordering (where a past order can be placed again instantly) or QR-code “scan to order” menus greatly streamline the process. In short, the user interface (UI) must be fast, intuitive, and mobile-optimized. Other conveniences in restaurant mobile app development keep people coming back. As noted above, loyalty points and exclusive in-app deals are very compelling with 78% of diners favoring restaurants where they can earn rewards. Likewise, personalized recommendations or easy search (by cuisine or dietary preference) can enhance the experience. The app should also feel complete: customers expect to view their order history, saved payment methods, and loyalty status. Integrations like order tracking, real-time table wait estimates, or mobile tipping can further raise satisfaction. Must haves vs. Nice to haves of restaurant mobile app development: At launch, prioritize a smooth core experience: fast menu browsing, simple one-page checkout, and secure payments. Fancy features (AR menu previews, video chat support, etc.) should come later. 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Also, you don’t truly own the code or data handling.Third-party marketplace/aggregator: Multi-restaurant ordering platforms (UberEats, DoorDash, Grabfood). This is the quickest way to go live online, but you’ll pay high commissions and lose brand control. Not only that, you are up against many other competitors on the same app. This approach is best only as a supplement, not a replacement for your own branded app. In choosing, you should weigh between costs vs. control. If you go with a white-label app, you're essentially using a pre-built app template provided by a vendor, which you can customize with your own logo, colors, and branding. This option is usually faster and cheaper to launch than building a custom app from scratch. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel because most features like menu browsing, ordering, and payments are already included. 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Summary Table of Key Challenges & Solutions: ChallengeWhy It MattersRecommended SolutionPOS/Inventory IntegrationPrevents order and stock mismatchesStrong APIs, cloud sync, vendor flexibilityPoor UX / Complex InterfaceLeads to low engagement and high abandonmentPrioritize simplicity, early user testingHigh Traffic & Scalability IssuesCauses slow performance or downtime at peak usage- Cloud-based servers- Performance testing- Continuous monitoringData & Payment Security RisksLiability for breaches and brand damage- Secure protocols- Encryption- Compliance standardsToo Much Customization ComplexityOverwhelms users and complicates kitchen workflows- Limit options- Guide user choices- Use recommendation logicDevice & Platform TestingInconsistent performance across OS versions and devicesTest on emulators and real devices frequentlyLow User AdoptionApp fails to reach critical mass of users- Incentives- Clear value messaging- In-store promotionPartner Expertise & ReliabilityDevelopment delays, misalignment, or hidden costs- Review case studies- Ask technical questions- Confirm ongoing supportMarket Saturation / DifferentiationHard to attract customers in a sea of existing apps- Add branded loyalty- Personalization- Integrated featuresOngoing Maintenance NeedsApps become outdated quickly without consistent updatesPlan support contracts and phased feature rollouts Lessons Learned from Unsuccessful Restaurant Apps 1. Ando: David Chang’s Delivery‑Only Restaurant App Ando was created in 2016 by famous chef David Chang (founder of Momofuku) as a delivery‑only restaurant brand in New York City, accepting orders via its own mobile app and website, with delivery handled by UberRUSH. It gained significant attention and raised about $7 million in funding. Despite the buzz, by early 2018 Ando was acquired by Uber Eats and shut down as a standalone brand. Why Ando Failed: Limited scale and delivery-only model: Operating only in limited zones without physical dining locations made it hard to build broad customer loyalty.Low user adoption beyond early adopters: Despite backing from a high‑profile chef and investors, the app did not achieve mainstream traction.No long-term differentiation or experience: Without sit-down experience or a broader brand ecosystem, its novelty faded quickly.Acquisition rather than growth: Uber Eats acquired and absorbed Ando, effectively ending its app as a separate entity suggesting it underperformed as a standalone digital brand. Lesson: A novel concept and strong branding don’t guarantee long-term success. Without sufficient distribution, differentiation, and repeated customer experience, app-only formats can struggle to scale. 2. GarfieldEats: A “Entertainment + Ordering” Themed App GarfieldEats launched in 2018 as a Garfield-themed ghost kitchen and delivery app across cities like Toronto, Dubai, and London. Through its own branded app, customers could order Garfield‑branded food and even play games or watch Garfield cartoon episodes while ordering. Despite the creativity, the brand shut down by late 2020, ceasing both the restaurant and app operation. Why GarfieldEats Failed: Overly complex concept: Combining dining with gaming and branding added novelty but diluted focus on core food quality and ordering reliability.Poor economics and unprofitability: High overhead licensing costs, themed decor, app maintenance without sufficient volume undermined margins.Pandemic pressures and rent disputes: COVID‑19 shutdowns and financial issues like unpaid rent forced closures across locations.Low repeat usage or engagement: The app experience was more gimmick than utility; customers did not return regularly. Lesson: Entertainment value and branding alone can’t sustain an app-driven dining concept. If food, app reliability, or repeat value are weak, novelty quickly wears off. Build Smart, Grow Long-Term Industry reports and expert analyses were used throughout for example, recent restaurant surveys show 75% of orders are now off-premises, top chains drive 60% of sales from repeat app users, and third-party delivery platforms charge roughly 15–30% fees. These trends underline why owning your app and engaging customers directly is now essential.  A great restaurant app is an investment, not a cost so you must start by choosing the IT partner wisely. When planned and executed well, it pays dividends in customer loyalty, data, and higher-margin sales. Remember that choosing the right development partner is as important as the app’s idea. Start with a clear vision and minimum viable features, then launch based on real customer use. Over time, the app will become a cornerstone of your brand’s experience. 📩 Read more articles about us here: https://www.supremetech.vn/blog/  ☎️Contact us to see how we can support your loyalty app strategy.

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