> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.pranaypourkar.co.in/the-programmers-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.pranaypourkar.co.in/the-programmers-guide/git/workflows/rebasing-practices.md). # Rebasing Practices ## **About** **Rebasing Practices** refer to the use of `git rebase` to reapply commits from one branch onto another. Rebasing rewrites commit history to appear as though changes were made on top of a target branch, resulting in a cleaner, more linear project history. This section covers safe rebase usage, interactive rebasing, and when not to rebase. ## **Importance** In real-world teams, merge commits can clutter the commit history, making it hard to trace who did what and when. For instance: * A feature branch that spans weeks of development might include dozens of minor commits. Interactive rebasing lets you **squash** or **reword** them before merging into `main`, making code review and audit easier. * Rebasing local branches before pushing avoids unnecessary merge commits and reduces conflict risk during pull requests. * At companies practicing trunk-based development or pull request workflows, rebasing ensures a clean history without sacrificing individual contributions. Used properly, rebasing enhances code traceability, simplifies debugging, and improves the quality of project history without introducing noise. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.pranaypourkar.co.in/the-programmers-guide/git/workflows/rebasing-practices.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.