Chapter 1: Introduction to Squash Commits

Navigating through Git can be puzzling, especially when adopting squash commits. Ever wondered why your merge request displays an overwhelming number of commits? You’re not alone. Many developers face this perplexing issue, and today, I’m here to illuminate some common misunderstandings that can create confusion.

I began my Git journey over a decade ago, although I can't recall the exact year—it's at least since 2012. Before diving into Git, I worked with various Version Control Systems such as CVS, SVN, and Mercurial. Despite their unique features, Git quickly became my preferred tool, despite the initial challenges with merge conflicts. Over time, I learned to navigate feature branches, keep them updated, cherry-pick commits, and resolve conflicts.

However, things changed when I joined a team that implemented squash commits for our merge requests. While this approach streamlined our commit history, it often left me puzzled when reviewers asked why my merge request contained over 30, or even 80, commits when I only pushed six.

To clarify this, we need to delve into the distinctions between Git Merge, Git Rebase, and Git Squash Commits.

Section 1.1: Understanding Git Merge

Git Merge combines changes from one branch into another. When there are new commits in both branches, it creates a new merge commit.

• Commit History: Maintains the histories of both branches, leading to a non-linear history.
• Usage in Teams: Frequently used for integrating changes from a shared branch like develop into a feature branch, preserving commit history for traceability.
• Conflicts: Merge conflicts arise if the same parts of files are altered in both branches and must be resolved before finalizing the merge.

Section 1.2: Exploring Git Rebase

Git Rebase relocates or "rebases" commits from one branch to another, rewriting commit history to appear as though the work was performed on the new base branch.

• Commit History: Produces a linear history that is easier to navigate.
• Usage in Teams: Often employed to keep a feature branch up-to-date with the latest changes from develop, minimizing merge conflicts.
• Conflicts: Conflicts during rebasing must be resolved for each individual commit, which can be tedious but results in a cleaner history.

Chapter 2: The Mechanics of Squash Commits

Squash commits consolidate multiple commits into one. This method is typically utilized during a merge request to streamline commit history.

• Commit History: Reduces clutter by merging numerous small commits into a single one, though it sacrifices detailed commit history.
• Usage in Teams: Assists in keeping the main branch’s history tidy and focused, highlighting only significant changes.
• Conflicts: While squashing does not generate conflicts, it’s essential to resolve any conflicts prior to the squashing process.

Video Description: This video explores the hidden complexities of squash commits in Git, offering strategies to manage merge conflicts effectively.

Video Description: In just three minutes, this animated guide simplifies the concept of Git squash, making it easy to grasp and apply.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering Git’s complexities is essential for a smooth development workflow. Understanding the nuances of Git Merge, Rebase, and Squash Commits can transform frustrating situations into manageable tasks. Keep your branches updated without losing critical commit history and recognize that conflict resolutions are branch-specific to mitigate unexpected merge requests.

Stay persistent, and happy coding!