git reset soft vs mixed vs hard - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What does git reset --soft do?

Moves the HEAD to a specified commit but keeps changes staged in the index and working directory unchanged.

beginner

What is the effect of git reset --mixed?

Moves HEAD to a specified commit and unstages changes, but keeps them in the working directory.

beginner

What happens when you run git reset --hard?

Moves HEAD to a specified commit and discards all changes in the index and working directory, resetting everything to that commit.

beginner

Which git reset option keeps your changes staged?

--soft keeps changes staged after moving HEAD.

beginner

Which git reset option discards all local changes?

--hard discards all local changes in the working directory and index.

What does git reset --soft HEAD~1 do?

A Moves HEAD back one commit and keeps changes staged

B Moves HEAD back one commit and unstages changes

C Moves HEAD back one commit and discards all changes

D Does nothing

--soft moves HEAD but keeps changes staged in the index.

Which reset option unstages changes but keeps them in the working directory?

A --soft

B --hard

C --keep

D --mixed

--mixed resets the index but not the working directory.

What is the risk of using git reset --hard?

A It may delete uncommitted changes permanently

B It only unstages changes

C It creates a new commit

D It pushes changes to remote

--hard discards all uncommitted changes, which cannot be recovered easily.

After git reset --mixed, where are your changes?

A Staged in the index

B In the working directory but unstaged

C Deleted

D Committed

Changes remain in the working directory but are unstaged.

Which command moves HEAD but leaves both index and working directory unchanged?

A git reset --hard

B git reset --mixed

C git reset --soft

D git checkout

--soft moves HEAD only, keeping index and working directory intact.

Explain the differences between git reset --soft, --mixed, and --hard in your own words.

Think about what happens to HEAD, index (staging), and working directory.

When would you use git reset --hard and what should you be careful about?

Consider the risk of losing work.