Git rebase is a Git utility that specializes in integrating changes from one branch onto another. It is the process of combining or moving a sequence of commits on top of a new base commit. When you perform a Git rebase, you are rewriting history by changing the base of the developers branch from one commit to another, so it looks like they have created their branch from a different commit. Internally, Git creates a new commit and applies it to the specified base. However, its essential to understand that although the branch appears the same, its made up of entirely new commits.
Git rebase is useful for maintaining a linear project history. It is similar to a local cleanup and can be performed when used with care. Rebasing replays changes from one line of work onto another in the order they were introduced, whereas merging takes the endpoints and merges them together. However, it is a destructive operation, and if not applied correctly, you could lose committed work and/or break the consistency of other developers repositories. Therefore, it is essential to ask yourself, "Is anyone else looking at this branch?" before running git rebase.
In summary, Git rebase is a tool that allows developers to integrate changes from one branch onto another by changing the base of the developers branch from one commit to another, creating entirely new commits. It is useful for maintaining a linear project history but should be used with care to avoid losing committed work or breaking the consistency of other developers repositories.
