FIX · FIXES

Git fixes,
in plain words.

The exact error message, what it means, and the shortest safe fix.

errorsundohow-to

Pick your error

6 fixes
1

fatal: not a git repository

Wrong folder, no git init, or a deleted .git folder. How to tell which.

2

Undo the last commit, keep the changes

reset --soft, mixed and --hard, what each keeps, and what to do after a push.

3

git init with a main branch, not master

-b main, init.defaultBranch, and renaming master to main.

4

git add . is not adding my files

Five real causes: .gitignore, wrong folder, embedded repo, empty folder, typo.

5

fatal: remote origin already exists.

Check with git remote -v, then set-url, rename or remove.

6

fatal: Authentication failed (GitHub)

Passwords no longer work over HTTPS. Token, GitHub CLI, credential manager or SSH.

Every command on these pages was run with real Git before it was written down. Want to learn the ideas behind them? Start the course, or try commands safely in the practice terminal.

Git, Visually · Parts 1 and 2 · English