How to Change Main Branch in GitHub
Managing branches in GitHub is an essential skill for any developer. One common task is changing the main branch of a repository. The main branch, also known as the default branch, is where the latest code is typically merged and deployed. This article will guide you through the steps to change the main branch in GitHub.
Step 1: Access Your GitHub Repository
First, you need to access the GitHub repository where you want to change the main branch. You can do this by visiting the repository’s URL on GitHub or by using the GitHub Desktop application.
Step 2: Clone the Repository
To make changes to the repository, you need to clone it to your local machine. Open a terminal or command prompt, navigate to the desired location, and run the following command:
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git clone
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Step 3: Change the Main Branch
Once you have cloned the repository, navigate to the local directory using the following command:
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cd
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Now, you can change the main branch by using the following command:
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git branch -M main
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This command renames the current branch to `main`. If you want to rename the branch to a different name, replace `main` with your desired branch name.
Step 4: Push the Changes to GitHub
After changing the main branch locally, you need to push the changes to GitHub. Run the following command:
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git push origin main
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This command pushes the changes to the remote repository on GitHub.
Step 5: Update the Repository Settings
To make the new main branch the default branch on GitHub, you need to update the repository settings. Go to the repository’s settings page on GitHub, scroll down to the “Branches” section, and click on the “Edit” button next to the current main branch.
In the “Branch protection rules” section, make sure that the “Protect this branch” option is enabled. You can also configure additional rules, such as requiring pull request reviews and status checks.
Click on the “Save changes” button to update the repository settings.
Conclusion
Changing the main branch in GitHub is a straightforward process that involves renaming the branch locally and updating the repository settings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily manage the main branch of your GitHub repository and ensure that your code is always up to date.
