I want to rename a Git branch but I’m confused about the correct way to do it, especially if the branch already exists on GitHub. What commands should I use to rename it locally and remotely without causing issues?
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I want to rename a Git branch but I’m confused about the correct way to do it, especially if the branch already exists on GitHub. What commands should I use to rename it locally and remotely without causing issues?
If you’re currently on the branch you want to rename, use:
“`bash
git branch -m new-branch-name
“`
If you’re renaming a different branch:
“`bash
git branch -m old-branch-name new-branch-name
“`
If the branch has already been pushed to GitHub, you’ll also need to update the remote:
“`bash
git push origin -u new-branch-name
git push origin –delete old-branch-name
“`
After that, update any open pull requests or references that still point to the old branch name. That’s usually all that’s needed to rename a branch both locally and on GitHub.