What is the difference between rebase and merge in version control?

What is the difference between rebase and merge in version control?

Rebase and merge are both methods to integrate changes from one branch into another in version control systems. Merge creates a new commit that combines the changes, while rebase moves the entire branch to begin on the tip of another branch, creating a linear history.

When should I use rebase instead of merge?

You should use rebase when you want to maintain a clean, linear project history. It's particularly useful for feature branches before merging them into the main branch.

Are there any risks associated with rebasing?

Yes, rebasing can be risky if you're working on a shared branch. It rewrites commit history, which can confuse collaborators if they have based their work on the original commits.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use merge when integrating a feature branch into the main branch to preserve the context of the feature. Use rebase when you want to update your feature branch with the latest changes from the main branch before merging.