How to Rename Git Commits Safely - Interactive Rebase Made Easy

What Does gat rename Do?

The gat rename command provides a safe and user-friendly way to edit commit messages and rewrite git history, making interactive rebase accessible to developers of all skill levels.

Key capabilities:

Safe rewriting: Built-in safety checks to prevent data loss
Interactive mode: Visual interface for complex history editing
Backup creation: Automatically creates backups before changes
Undo support: Easy rollback if something goes wrong

Safety First

gat rename includes safety features like automatic backups and shared history detection to prevent common mistakes when rewriting git history.

Common Use Cases

Fix Typo in Last Commit

# Quick fix for the most recent commit

gat rename -m "Fixed typo in commit message"

Perfect for fixing typos or improving the message of your most recent commit.

Clean Up Commit History

# Edit specific commit by hash

gat rename -c abc1234 -m "Clean up commit message"

Clean up commit messages before merging a feature branch.

Add Missing Information

# Update commit with ticket number

gat rename -c def5678 -m "Fix login bug (TICKET-123)"

Bulk update commits to add missing ticket numbers or formatting.

How to Change Last Commit Message in Git

If you only need to change the message of your latest commit:

git commit --amend -m "New commit message"

• This replaces the last commit message with the one you provide
• Use this only if you haven't pushed the commit to a shared branch yet, or you're sure no one else is using it

How to Change Commit Message Interactively

To edit the commit message in your default editor:

git commit --amend

This opens your configured editor where you can modify the commit message.

How to Rename a Commit in Git History

Step 1: Start Interactive Rebase

Start an interactive rebase from a commit before the one you want to edit:

git rebase -i <commit-hash>^

Or, for example, to edit the last 5 commits:

git rebase -i HEAD~5

Step 2: Mark Commits for Reword

In the list that appears, replace `pick` with `reword` (or `r`) next to the commit you want to rename:

pick abc1234 First commit

reword def5678 Commit to rename

pick ghi9012 Third commit

Step 3: Edit the Commit Message

Save and close the editor. Git will prompt you to enter a new commit message for each commit marked with `reword`. Update the message and save.

Step 4: Complete the Rebase

Continue the rebase process:

git rebase --continue

How to Change Commit Message After Push

If you've already pushed the commit to a remote repository:

git commit --amend -m "New message"

git push --force-with-lease

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when rewriting history on shared branches. Coordinate with your team before force-pushing.

Advanced Scenarios

How to Change Multiple Commit Messages

Use interactive rebase to change multiple commit messages at once:

git rebase -i HEAD~10

Mark multiple commits with `reword` and edit each message when prompted.

How to Change Commit Message by Author

Find commits by a specific author first:

git log --author="John Doe" --oneline

Then use interactive rebase on the specific range.

Important Considerations

Rewriting History: Changing commit messages rewrites Git history

Shared Branches: Avoid rewriting commits on shared branches unless coordinated with your team

Force Push: You'll need to force-push if the commit was already pushed

Backup: Consider creating a backup branch before rewriting history

Tips for Better Commit Messages

Use present tense - "Add feature" not "Added feature"

Keep the first line under 50 characters

Use the body to explain what and why, not how

Reference issue numbers when applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change a commit message?

Use `git commit --amend -m "New message"` for the last commit, or `git rebase -i` for older commits.

How do I change commit message in git?

For the last commit use `git commit --amend`, for older commits use interactive rebase with `git rebase -i`.

How do I rename a commit in git?

Use `git rebase -i` and change `pick` to `reword` for the commits you want to rename.

How do I edit a commit message?

Run `git commit --amend` to edit the last commit message, or use interactive rebase for older commits.

How do I change commit message after push?

Amend the commit locally with `git commit --amend`, then force-push with `git push --force-with-lease`.

Can I change multiple commit messages at once?

Yes, use `git rebase -i HEAD~N` and mark multiple commits with `reword`.

Is it safe to change pushed commit messages?

Only if you're working alone or have coordinated with your team. Force-pushing rewrites shared history.

// gat rename