How to use the command 'git obliterate' (with examples)

The ‘git obliterate’ command is part of the ‘git-extras’ package and allows for the deletion of specific files and the erasure of their history from a Git repository. This can be useful when there is a need to completely remove sensitive or unwanted files from the repository, including all traces of their existence.

Use case 1: Erase the existence of specific files

Code:

git obliterate file_1 file_2 ...

Motivation: The motivation for using this example is to remove specific files from the Git repository, ensuring that all traces of the files’ existence are completely erased. This can be useful when sensitive files have been accidentally committed or if there is a need to permanently remove obsolete files.

Explanation:

• git obliterate: The command to initiate the obliteration process.
• file_1 file_2 ...: The list of specific files that will be deleted and have their history erased from the Git repository.

Example output:

Obliterating file: file_1
Obliterating file: file_2
...
Obliterate complete.

Use case 2: Erase the existence of specific files between 2 commits

Code:

git obliterate file_1 file_2 ... -- commit_hash_1..commit_hash_2

Motivation: The motivation for using this example is to delete specific files and erase their history, but only within a specific range of commits. This can be useful when there is a need to remove files that were introduced or modified within a certain timeframe, while preserving their history outside of that range.

Explanation:

• git obliterate: The command to initiate the obliteration process.
• file_1 file_2 ...: The list of specific files that will be deleted and have their history erased from the Git repository.
• commit_hash_1..commit_hash_2: The range of commits between which the obliteration will be performed.

Example output:

Obliterating file: file_1 (between commit_hash_1 and commit_hash_2)
Obliterating file: file_2 (between commit_hash_1 and commit_hash_2)
...
Obliterate complete.

Conclusion:

The ‘git obliterate’ command is a powerful tool for completely removing specific files from a Git repository and erasing their history. Whether it is to remove sensitive files or to permanently delete obsolete files, this command provides a simple and effective solution. By using the ‘git obliterate’ command with appropriate arguments, files can be erased from the repository, ensuring that all traces of their existence are completely removed.