Storify force-update-remote-branch

content/snippets/git/s/force-update-remote-branch.md

@@ -1,26 +1,35 @@
 ---
-title: Update remote branch after rewriting history
-type: snippet
+title: How can I update a remote branch after rewriting Git history?
+shortTitle: Update remote branch after rewriting history
+type: question
 language: git
 tags: [branch]
 cover: compass
-dateModified: 2021-04-13
+excerpt: Learn how to force update a remote branch after rewriting the Git history locally.
+dateModified: 2024-04-15
 ---
 
-Forces an update of the remote branch after rewriting the history locally.
+When you rewrite the Git history locally, the remote branch will not be updated automatically. This can lead to a **divergence between the local and remote branches**. In that case, the remote will refuse to accept the changes, as the history doesn't match. In such as scenario, you need to force update the remote branch.
 
-- Use `git push -f` to force update the remote branch, overwriting it using the local branch's changes.
-- This operation is necessary anytime your local and remote repository diverge.
+> [!WARNING]
+>
+> Rewriting history is a **potentially destructive operation**. Make sure you understand the implications before proceeding, especially if you are force updating a **shared branch**.
+
+Using `git push -f` is the solution to this problem. The `-f` flag **forces the update of the remote branch**, overwriting it with the local branch's changes. This operation is necessary anytime your local and remote repository diverge.
 
 ```shell
-git push -f
+# Usage: git push -f
 
-# Examples
 git checkout patch-1
 git pull
 git rebase master
 # Local `patch-1` branch has been rebased onto `master`, thus diverging
 # from the remote `patch-1` branch
 
-git push -f # Force update the remote `patch-1` branch
+git push -f
+# Force update the remote `patch-1` branch
 ```
+
+> [!NOTE]
+>
+> Force updating a remote branch **may not be allowed** for all users or all branches. Make sure you have the necessary permissions before proceeding.