← Glossary
What does "rebase" mean in programming?
rebase is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
A Git operation that moves your commits onto a different starting point. Rebasing creates a linear history and is an alternative to merging.
Example
"Rebase your branch on main before opening the pull request."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| rebase | verb (infinitive) | To move or replay commits onto a different base commit | "Rebase your branch on main to get the latest changes." |
| rebased | past tense | Already replayed on top of a new base | "I rebased my branch and resolved the conflicts." |
| rebasing | gerund | In the process of replaying commits | "Rebasing rewrites history so be careful on shared branches." |
Related terms
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