Collaborative Git for Multiple Users: A Collaborative Workflow to Resolve Team Code Conflicts

In collaborative software development with Git, conflicts can arise when multiple developers modify the same part of a file simultaneously, which is an inevitable磨合 issue in teamwork. However, with the right workflow, these conflicts can be effectively managed. Conflicts typically occur when key sections of a file are modified by multiple people (e.g., two developers changing the greeting message and variable names in the `greet()` function simultaneously). The resolution process involves 5 steps: 1. Synchronize with the remote repository using `git pull` before collaboration. 2. When conflicts are triggered, Git will notify you; use `git status` to identify the conflicting files. 3. Open the file to view conflict markers: `<<<<<<< HEAD` (local code) and `>>>>>>> branch-name` (remote code). 4. Manually remove these markers and merge the content based on business logic. 5. After resolution, use `git add` to stage the file and `git commit` to finalize the merge. Preventive measures include: - Small, focused commits (each commit addressing one functional change). - Frequent synchronization (pulling code daily before starting work). - Clear task division (avoiding concurrent modifications to the same module). The core principle is "prevention first, manual judgment, and verification after resolution." Git provides the necessary tools, but conflict handling requires effective team communication and collaboration.

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Pitfalls in Git Staging Area: How to Undo Accidental `add` of Files?

When an unintended file (e.g., temporary files) is added to the staging area using `git add`, it can be undone with `git reset`. The staging area acts as a temporary中转站 (transit station), where `git add` copies snapshots of files from the working directory. It is essential to understand its relationship with the working directory and the local repository (HEAD). Core command: `git reset HEAD <filename>` reverts the specified file version in the staging area to match the local repository (undoing the `git add` for that file), while preserving the working directory content. If `git add .` was mistakenly executed, use `git reset HEAD` to undo all staged files. To remove incorrect content from the working directory, `git checkout -- <filename>` can restore it to the staging area or the most recent commit version. Key distinction: `reset` only undoes staging area operations, while `checkout` restores working directory content. Remember: Use `git reset HEAD <filename>` (for individual files) or `git reset HEAD` (for all files) to undo staging. `checkout` may be necessary to handle working directory changes when required.

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Git Commit Message Specification: 3 Benefits of Standardizing Commit Messages

This article introduces the importance of standardizing commit messages, which has three benefits: first, it ensures clear version history; standardized descriptions (e.g., "fix: resolve login password prompt issue") enable quick location of changes and avoid inefficient debugging caused by ambiguous wording. Second, it facilitates smooth team collaboration; a unified format (e.g., "feat: add registration form validation") clarifies the purpose of each commit and reduces communication costs. Third, it simplifies the automatic generation of change logs; tools can categorize and count commits based on standardized information (e.g., "feat" and "fix") to produce clear version update records (e.g., generating CHANGELOG with standard-version), thereby improving release efficiency. Although standardizing commit messages requires developing a habit, it leads to more efficient version management, collaboration, and release in the long run.

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Git Version Control: Why Is Git Considered a Standard Tool for Modern Software Development?

Version control tools such as Git are central to modern software development, addressing issues of code change tracking, collaboration, and rollback. Git has become a standard due to its key advantages: its distributed architecture ensures a complete local repository, enabling most operations to be performed offline and enhancing flexibility; branch functionality supports parallel development, with main and development branches acting like independent drafts that do not interfere with each other; commit snapshots record timestamps of every modification, allowing for easy rollback at any time; and its lightweight, efficient design enables quick operations through differential comparisons, ensuring smooth local performance. Additionally, the mature Git ecosystem features widespread industry adoption, abundant open-source resources, and strong tool compatibility. Mastering Git resolves problems such as collaborative chaos, difficult rollbacks, and inefficient parallel development, making it a "must-have" skill for modern software development.

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Git Repository Clone Failed? Troubleshooting "fatal: unable to access" Errors

`fatal: unable to access` errors are common and caused by network issues, incorrect addresses, permission problems, proxy settings, or cached credentials. Troubleshoot using the following steps: 1. **Network Check**: Use `ping` to test connectivity to the repository domain name. Switch to a public repository or mobile hotspot to confirm network availability. 2. **Address Verification**: Re-copy the repository address (distinguish between HTTPS/SSH) and paste it into a browser to verify accessibility. 3. **Permission Issues**: Private repositories require authentication. For HTTPS, enter account credentials (or configure credential caching); for SSH, ensure SSH keys are pre-configured. 4. **Proxy Configuration**: In internal networks, check proxy settings and configure `http/https` or `socks5` proxy addresses or disable proxies if unnecessary. 5. **Clear Cache**: Remove outdated credential caches and reset `credential.helper` to avoid repeated incorrect input prompts. Following these steps will resolve 90% of cloning failures. If issues persist, contact your administrator or upgrade Git before retrying.

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Git Branching Strategies: Choosing and Applying GitHub Flow vs. Git Flow

Branch strategies address code conflicts and version management issues in multi-person collaboration, enabling more organized teamwork. The mainstream strategies are GitHub Flow and Git Flow. GitHub Flow is minimalist and flexible, with only two branches: `main` (the main branch) and temporary branches (e.g., `feature/xxx`). The process is straightforward: create a temporary branch from `main`, make modifications, and merge back to `main` via a Pull Request (PR), supporting continuous deployment. Its advantages include simplicity, efficiency, and rapid iteration, making it suitable for personal projects or scenarios requiring quick updates. However, it lacks version planning and is unsuitable for complex version management. Git Flow has clear division of labor with five branches: `main`, `develop`, `feature`, `release`, and `hotfix`. The process is strict, with fixed responsibilities for each branch and phases such as development, testing, and release. It excels in standardization, orderliness, and risk control, making it ideal for large teams or long-term maintenance projects. On the downside, it has a high learning curve and slower iteration speed. Selection recommendations: Choose GitHub Flow for small teams and fast-paced projects; select Git Flow for large teams or projects requiring version management. The core is to ensure smooth collaboration without sacrificing efficiency.

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Must-Do Before Git Commits: Check Changes, Stage, and Commit Message

### The "Golden Three Steps" Before Git Commit Before committing code, you need to verify the changes to avoid accidentally committing sensitive information or incomplete code. The core steps are as follows: **1. Check Changes** Use `git status` to view the project status, distinguishing between "modified but unstaged" and "untracked files." Use `git diff <file>` to check specific modifications (e.g., added/deleted lines), and avoid committing irrelevant content like temporary comments or debug logs. **2. Stage Changes** Use `git add` to stage files for commit. For a single file, use `git add <file>`; for all changes, use `git add .` (proceed with caution to avoid adding unintended files). If staging is incorrect, use `git reset HEAD <file>` to undo. **3. Write Clear Commit Messages** Before using `git commit`, clearly describe the purpose of the changes. For short messages, use `-m "description"` (e.g., "Optimize homepage title"). For complex content, open the text editor (default Vim) to write multi-line messages, ensuring conciseness and meaningfulness. Developing the habit of "checking - staging - writing messages" can prevent error - prone commits and improve team collaboration efficiency.

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Git Newbies' Pitfall Guide: These Basic Operation Mistakes You Must Know

This article summarizes common basic mistakes made by Git beginners and their solutions to help them avoid pitfalls quickly. Common mistakes in repository operations include: repeatedly executing `git init` (which overwrites configurations and causes confusion; only execute it once), and entering the wrong clone address (copy the platform address to avoid manual input). For file staging and committing: omitting or adding extra files with `git add` (specify filenames or use `git status` to confirm), not checking the status before committing (always run `git status` first), and providing vague commit messages (e.g., empty messages or "changed something"; use clear descriptions like "fixed button misalignment"). In branch operations: failing to stash changes before switching branches (use `git stash` or `commit`), merging the wrong branch (confirm the current branch), and deleting the current branch (switch branches first). Regarding pull and push: confusing `pull` and `fetch` (fetch first, then merge), not pulling before pushing (pull first to avoid overwrites), and insufficient permissions (check the address and SSH keys). For version rollbacks: mistakenly using `--hard` without stashing (stash first and use `reflog` to restore), and recovering after rollback (check `reflog` for version numbers). In conflict resolution: failing to remove conflict markers or deleting content randomly (retain content and remove only markers).

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Diagram of Common Git Operations: Complete Steps from Clone to Commit

This article introduces the basic operation process for Git beginners from cloning a repository to committing modifications. First, clarify three core areas: the working directory (unmanaged modified files), the staging area (a temporary storage area for commits), and the local repository (permanently records commit history). The process includes: 1. Cloning a remote repository (`git clone <URL>`); 2. Entering the directory and checking status (`git status`); 3. Modifying files (working directory operations); 4. Staging modifications (`git add [filename]` or `git add .`); 5. Committing to the local repository (`git commit -m "message"`); 6. Viewing commit history (`git log`); 7. Pushing to the remote repository (`git push origin [branch]`). A quick-reference cheat sheet for key commands summarizes core operations, emphasizing that Git enables collaboration and version management by tracking changes, with regular practice allowing rapid mastery of the basic workflow.

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Git Distributed Version Control: Why Every Developer Needs a Local Repository

This article introduces the importance of local repositories in the Git version control system. Version control can record code modifications and avoid chaos. As a distributed tool, Git differs from centralized systems like SVN with its "central server" model, as each developer maintains a complete local code repository. A local repository is the `.git` directory on a computer, with core functions: it is offline-accessible, allowing commits and branch operations without an internet connection; it supports experimentation by safely testing new features in local branches; and it ensures data security by automatically backing up all modifications, preventing code loss due to server failures or power outages. Its value lies in: independence from the network, enabling more flexible work (e.g., writing code without internet access on the subway); preventing accidents, as rollbacks can be performed via commands like `git reset`; and enhancing collaboration efficiency by allowing local completion of features before pushing to the remote repository. The local repository is the core of Git's distribution model, and developers should attach importance to it (e.g., initializing with `git init`), as it is crucial for ensuring development flexibility and reliability.

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Git Version Rollback: A Secure Method to Recover Code from Erroneous Commits

In Git version control, if incorrect code is committed, you can revert to a previous version to recover. First, use `git log --oneline` to view the commit history and obtain the target version's hash value. The core methods for reverting are divided into three scenarios: 1. **Undo the most recent incorrect commit**: Use `git reset --soft HEAD~1`. This only reverts the commit record while preserving changes in the staging area and working directory, allowing re - submission. 2. **Revert to a specific version**: Use `git reset --hard <target - hash - value>`. This completely reverts the version and discards subsequent modifications (ensure no important unsaved content exists before operation). 3. **Revert errors that have been pushed to the remote**: First, revert locally, then use `git push -f` to force - push. This requires confirming there is no collaboration among the team. For collaborative work, the `revert` command is recommended. **Notes**: Distinguish between `--soft` (preserves modifications), `--hard` (discards modifications), and `--mixed` (default). For uncommitted modifications, use `git stash` to temporarily store and then recover them. Forcing a push to the remote is risky and should be avoided in branches with multiple team members collaborating. The key is to confirm the version, select the correct parameters, and operate remotely cautiously to safely revert from errors.

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Best Practices for Git Branch Merging: 5 Practical Tips to Reduce Conflicts

This article shares 5 tips to reduce Git branch merge conflicts: 1. **Clear branch responsibilities**: Assign specific roles to branches, e.g., `main` for stable code, `feature/*` for new features, `bugfix/*` for production issues, etc., to avoid overlapping merge scopes. 2. **Small, incremental commits**: Split tasks into minimal changes. Each commit should modify only a small amount of code, reducing merge differences and making auto-resolution of conflicts easier. 3. **Frequent main branch synchronization**: Pull the latest code from the main branch daily (`git merge` or `rebase`) to keep feature branches aligned with `main` and prevent divergence. 4. **Use `rebase` to organize commits**: "Replay" local commits onto the latest main branch code to maintain a linear commit history and minimize divergent conflicts (only applicable to branches not yet pushed to remote). 5. **Resolve conflicts correctly**: Understand the `<<<<<<<`, `=======`, and `>>>>>>>` markers. Modify code and remove markers; consult colleagues if unsure. **Core principles**: Clear responsibilities, small commits, frequent synchronization, clean history, and proper conflict resolution can significantly reduce merge conflicts.

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The Distinction Between Git's Staging Area and Working Directory: The Reason for `add` Before `commit`

This article introduces the core concepts, differences, and functions of the working directory and staging area in Git. The working directory consists of files that can be directly operated on locally (like a draft paper), while the staging area is an internal intermediate repository within Git (like a pending review express box). The key differences between them are as follows: location (the working directory is the local file system, while the staging area is internal to Git), editing methods (the working directory can be modified directly, while the staging area requires changes via commands), Git tracking status (the working directory is untracked, while the staging area is marked for commit), and visibility (modifications in the working directory are directly visible, while the staging area is only visible to Git). The process of "add before commit" is mandatory because the staging area allows for more selective commits: skipping the staging area and directly committing would cause Git to submit all changes in the working directory, potentially leading to accidental commits of incomplete work. By following the workflow of "modify → git status → git add → git commit", developers can achieve staged commits. As a buffer zone, the staging area helps developers flexibly control the scope of commits, preventing drafts or incomplete content from being accidentally committed and making code management more controllable.

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Git Remote Repository Connection: A Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages of HTTPS vs. SSH

Git commonly uses two methods to connect to remote repositories: HTTPS and SSH. HTTPS is based on HTTP encryption and uses account password authentication. Its advantages are simplicity, ease of use, and good network compatibility, making it suitable for temporary access, public networks, or first-time use. However, it requires repeated password input and relies on password storage security. SSH is based on an encryption protocol and uses key pairs (public key + private key) for authentication. It offers advantages like password-free operations and high security, making it ideal for long-term projects with frequent operations (such as private repositories or internal company projects). On the downside, SSH configuration is slightly more complex (requiring key pair generation and addition to the remote repository), and the default 22 port may be restricted by firewalls. For applicable scenarios: HTTPS is recommended for temporary access and public networks, while SSH is better for long-term projects and frequent operations. Choosing the right method based on the scenario can enhance efficiency and security.

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Git Tags and Version Releases: Methods for Marking Important Project Milestones

Git tags are a tool that Git uses to create "snapshots" for specific commits. They can mark project milestones (such as version releases), facilitating version location, rollback, and team collaboration. Tags are categorized into annotated tags (recommended for formal versions, created with the -a -m parameters and a description) and lightweight tags (for quick marking without a description). Usage process: Creating tags (local and remote push), viewing (git tag), and deleting (local with git tag -d, remote via git push origin --delete). Version releases follow semantic versioning (major.minor.patch), with tags applied after stable versions, milestones, or urgent fixes. Tags are static snapshots, distinct from dynamic branches (e.g., master), enabling quick rollbacks to historical versions. Mastering tag operations and following a standardized version numbering system can enhance project management efficiency.

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Git Conflicts Explained: Why Do They Occur? How to Resolve Them Quickly?

Git conflicts are a common issue in collaborative work. When different versions modify the same file at the same location, Git cannot merge them automatically, requiring manual resolution. The core reason for conflicts is "modifications at the same location", such as multiple people editing the same file, version differences during branch merging, or conflicts between deletion and addition of content. Resolving conflicts involves three steps: First, after detecting a conflict, open the file and identify the markers automatically added by Git (`<<<<<<< HEAD` (your changes), `=======` (separator), `>>>>>>> branch-name` (changes from others)). Second, edit the content between the markers, choosing to retain or merge both parties' modifications. Third, execute `git add` to mark the conflict as resolved, then use `git merge --continue` or `git pull --continue` to complete the operation. Tools like VS Code can help quickly resolve complex conflicts. To prevent conflicts, develop habits such as frequently pulling code, committing in small steps, collaborative division of labor, and communication in advance. Remember the three-step process "identify markers → modify content → mark as resolved" to easily handle Git conflicts.

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Git Fetch vs Pull: Differences and Usage Scenarios

In Git, `fetch` and `pull` are commonly used commands to pull remote code. The core difference lies in whether they automatically merge, provided that you understand "remote tracking branches" (mirrors of remote branches on the local machine). - **`git fetch`**: Only pulls remote updates to the local remote tracking branches (e.g., `origin/master`) without automatic merging. You must manually execute `git merge`. It is suitable for first reviewing remote updates before deciding whether to merge and will not affect the local working directory. - **`git pull`**: Essentially combines `fetch` with an automatic `merge`. After pulling, it directly merges the changes into the current branch, which may require manual resolution of code conflicts. It is suitable for scenarios where immediate synchronization with remote updates is needed, but may overwrite uncommitted local modifications. **Core Difference**: `fetch` is flexible (review before merging), while `pull` is efficient (pull and merge immediately). Choose based on whether automatic merging is required to avoid issues caused by conflicts or uncommitted modifications.

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Pushing Code to Remote Repository with Git: How to Push Local Branches to GitHub/GitLab

The purpose of pushing code to a remote repository is to enable team collaboration, code backup, or hosting on remote platforms (such as GitHub/GitLab). The core processes and key points are as follows: **Preparation**: Ensure there are committed modifications in the local repository (`git add .` + `git commit -m "description"`), and the remote repository is already associated (default `origin`, established during cloning). **Push Commands**: - **First Push**: Specify the remote repository and branch using the syntax `git push [remote-repo-name] [local-branch-name]:[remote-branch-name]`, e.g., `git push -u origin dev` (`-u` automatically associates the branch for subsequent simplification). - **Subsequent Pushes**: If the branch is already associated, simply use `git push`. When branch names differ, use `git push origin local-branch:remote-branch` (e.g., `feature:new-feature`). **Verification and Troubleshooting**: After pushing, check the remote platform's webpage. Common issues: - Conflict: Resolve conflicts after `git pull` and then push again; - Permission: Verify account/repository permissions or re-enter credentials; - Accidental Push: If not yet pulled, use `--force` (note: use with caution).

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Git Ignore Files: Beyond .gitignore, What Other Methods Are There to Exclude Unwanted Files?

In addition to .gitignore, Git provides four flexible methods to control file ignoring: 1. **Local Exclusive Ignoring**: `.git/info/exclude` applies rules only to the current repository and is not committed. It is suitable for personal temporary ignores (e.g., IDE caches, test data). 2. **Global General Ignoring**: `core.excludesfile` creates a global rule file (e.g., ~/.gitignore_global) and configures Git to read it. All repositories automatically apply these rules, ideal for uniformly ignoring editor/system files (e.g., .idea, .DS_Store). 3. **Force Adding Ignored Files**: `git add -f filename` skips .gitignore rules and temporarily stages ignored files (e.g., for local sensitive configuration changes). 4. **Debugging Ignore Rules**: `git check-ignore filename` checks if a file is ignored, assisting in troubleshooting rule issues. Choose based on scenarios: use exclude for local temporary ignores, core.excludesfile for global uniformity, -f for temporary additions, and check-ignore for debugging.

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Git Version Control Basics: What is a Commit Hash? Why is It Important?

In Git, each commit generates a unique 40-character hexadecimal string called the commit hash, which serves as the "ID number" for the commit. It is generated by hashing the commit content (files, messages, timestamps, etc.) using a hash algorithm, and remains unchanged if the content remains identical. The significance of commit hash lies in four aspects: First, it uniquely identifies versions, facilitating the location of historical commits via `git log`. Second, it is the core for version rollbacks (`git checkout`/`revert`) and branch management, enabling the recognition of commit order. Third, it distinguishes modifications from different developers during collaboration to avoid confusion. Fourth, it is tamper-proof, acting as an "anchor" for historical records. For practical use, it is sufficient to remember the first 7 characters daily. These can be viewed through `git log` and used to operate commands like `git checkout`, `revert`, and `branch`. As a cornerstone of Git version control, commit hash ensures clearer historical tracking, rollbacks, and collaboration. **Core**: A unique 40-character hexadecimal string generated from commit content, critical for version management, collaboration, and rollbacks.

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Git Collaboration Standards: Unified Criteria from Branch Naming to Commit Messages

Git specifications can address team collaboration chaos and enhance efficiency. Branch naming is categorized: main/development branches are fixed; feature branches follow the format `feature/[ID]-[Feature]` (e.g., `feature/123-login-form`), bugfix branches use `bugfix/[ID]-[Issue]` (e.g., `bugfix/456-login-crash`), and hotfix branches use `hotfix/[ID]-[Issue]`. Commit messages follow the "Type: Subject" format, with types including feat (new feature), fix (bug fix), etc. For example, "fix: resolve login issue". Implementation involves using `git` commands to create, commit, and merge branches, while handling conflicts. Teams can enforce these rules through code reviews, pre-commit hooks, and PR templates. The core goal is to ensure traceability of branches and commits, facilitating issue localization.

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Git Commit History Viewing: Master the log Command to Trace Project Changes

Git log is a core tool for viewing commit history, enabling tracking of code changes, issue location, or version rollbacks. The basic command `git log` by default displays full commit records, including hash values, authors, dates, and commit messages. Common parameters enhance efficiency: `--oneline` concisely shows key information in one line; `--graph` visualizes branch merge relationships; `-p` displays code differences (diff); `--since/--before` filters by time (e.g., `--since="3 days ago"`); `--author` filters commits by a specific author; `--stat` counts modified lines. Combining parameters is more practical, such as `git log --graph --oneline --all` to view merge relationships across all branches, `-n 5` to limit to the last 5 entries, and `--grep="login"` to filter commits containing the keyword. Mastering these techniques allows efficient project change management and clear understanding of code evolution.

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A Guide to Git Submodules: Managing Dependent Code in Projects

Git submodules are used to manage independent code repositories within the main project, avoiding the hassle of manual copying and updates. They are independent sub-repositories within the main project, where the main project only records the location and version of the submodules, while the submodules are maintained independently. Its core advantages include: independent development and testing, precise version control, and shared reuse across multiple projects. The usage steps are as follows: adding a submodule (`git submodule add`, which generates .gitmodules and configures and commits in the main project); cloning the main project requires `--recursive`, otherwise manually run `git submodule update`; updating submodules (`cd into the subdirectory and git pull` or `git submodule update` in the main project); deletion requires removing the directory and cleaning up configurations and caches. Note: After updating, the main project needs to commit version changes to avoid the "detached HEAD" state of submodules. Collaboration should follow the update-commit-merge process. Mastering these operations enables efficient management of project dependencies, reducing repetitive work and version confusion.

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Git Branch Renaming: How to Safely Modify Local and Remote Branch Names

This article introduces methods for renaming Git branches, with the core being handling local branches first and then safely updating remote branches. Renaming a local branch is straightforward: first switch to another branch (e.g., `main`), execute `git branch -m oldbranch newbranch`, and verify. For remote branches, proceed with caution using the following steps: 1. Pull the latest code of the old branch (`git checkout oldbranch && git pull`); 2. Create and push a new branch (`git checkout -b newbranch && git push origin newbranch`); 3. Delete the remote old branch (`git push origin --delete oldbranch`); 4. Clean up the local old branch (`git branch -d oldbranch`) and tracking branches (`git fetch --prune`), then switch to the new branch. Verification can be done using `git branch` and `git branch -r`. Precautions include: notifying the team before renaming, ensuring uncommitted changes are addressed, having permissions to delete remote branches, and updating CI/CD pipelines for protected branches. The core principle is to first copy remote branches to new ones before deleting old ones to avoid collaboration conflicts.

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Detailed Explanation of the Relationships Between Git Working Directory, Staging Area, and Local Repository

The three core areas of Git (working directory, staging area, and local repository) have clear divisions of labor and work together to complete version control. **Working Directory** is the directory you directly operate on (e.g., a project folder), where you can freely modify files (add, delete, edit). It is the "operation site" visible to the user. **Staging Area** is a hidden temporary area (`.git/index`). You use `git add` to stage changes for commit, and you can preview or undo them (e.g., `git reset HEAD <file>`). It acts like a "transfer station/fridge". **Local Repository** is the `.git` directory, which stores project version history, branches, etc. Changes from the staging area are committed into version history via `git commit`, making it a "permanent storage room". The core workflow among the three is: **Modify → Stage → Commit**: Modify files in the working directory, stage them with `git add`, and commit to the local repository with `git commit`. Understanding this workflow allows you to manage code versions clearly and avoid operational chaos.

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