Git Rename Master Branch to Main - Shell/Bash

If you're a software developer, you may have noticed a recent trend of changing the default branch name from "master" to "main". This is being done to remove any connotations of slavery and promote more inclusive language in the tech community. If you have a Git repository with a "master" branch and want to update it to "main", this guide will show you how to do it using shell/bash commands.

Before You Begin

Before renaming your branch, take these precautions:

• If you are changing the name of the default branch, make sure there are no uncommitted changes in your working directory or staging area.
• If you have collaborators working on the same repository, let them know ahead of time that you're changing the branch name. They may need to update their local repositories accordingly.
• If you have any scripts or tools that rely on the name "master", modify them accordingly before renaming the branch.

Step 1 - Create a "main" Branch

First, create a new branch named "main" that will replace the old "master" branch:

git branch main

Step 2 - Copy "master" Branch to "main"

Next, copy all the changes from the "master" branch to the new "main" branch:

git checkout main
git merge master

Step 3 - Delete "master" Branch

Finally, delete the old "master" branch:

git branch -d master

You now have a new "main" branch ready to use. Note that if you already have a branch named "main", you'll need to choose a different name for your new branch.

Conclusion

Renaming the default branch to "main" is a small but important change that promotes inclusive language and supports diversity in the tech community. By following this guide, you can update your Git repository to reflect this change and contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all programmers.