Reviving Deleted Branches- A Step-by-Step Guide to Recovery in Azure DevOps

How to recover deleted branch in Azure DevOps

In the fast-paced world of software development, it’s not uncommon to accidentally delete a branch that contains critical code or important changes. When this happens in Azure DevOps, it can be a daunting task to recover the deleted branch. However, with the right steps and tools, you can restore your deleted branch and continue your development process without any major setbacks. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to recover a deleted branch in Azure DevOps.

Step 1: Check the Azure DevOps repository

The first step in recovering a deleted branch is to ensure that you have access to the Azure DevOps repository where the branch was deleted. Log in to your Azure DevOps account and navigate to the repository where the branch was located. If you have multiple repositories, make sure you are in the correct one.

Step 2: Use the ‘Recover’ option

Once you have accessed the correct repository, you will need to find the deleted branch. To do this, click on the ‘Branches’ tab in the repository. You will see a list of all branches in the repository, including the deleted one. If the branch is not listed, it may have been deleted from the repository entirely.

Step 3: Restore the deleted branch

If the deleted branch is still visible in the list of branches, you can restore it by clicking on the ‘Recover’ button next to the branch name. This will restore the branch to its previous state, including all the commits and changes that were made before it was deleted.

Step 4: Verify the restored branch

After the branch has been restored, it’s essential to verify that all the changes and commits are intact. Check the branch’s history, commit messages, and files to ensure that everything is as it should be. If you find any discrepancies, you may need to reapply the changes manually or seek assistance from your team.

Step 5: Communicate with your team

It’s crucial to inform your team about the recovered branch and any changes made during the process. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can continue working on the project without any confusion or conflicts.

Conclusion

Recovering a deleted branch in Azure DevOps can be a challenging task, but with the right steps and tools, it’s possible to restore your branch and continue your development process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize the impact of a deleted branch and ensure that your project stays on track. Remember to always double-check your actions and communicate with your team to avoid future incidents.