Transitioning from ‘main’ to ‘master’- A Guide to Changing the Default Branch in Your Repository

How to Change Default Branch from main to master

In the world of version control systems, particularly Git, the default branch name has been a topic of discussion for many developers. Historically, the default branch name was “master,” which was the primary branch where all the code was merged. However, with the rise of awareness about the inappropriate connotations of the term “master,” many developers and organizations have started to rename their default branch to “main.” In this article, we will discuss how to change the default branch from “main” to “master” in a Git repository.

Understanding the Default Branch

Before diving into the process of changing the default branch, it is essential to understand the role of the default branch in a Git repository. The default branch is the branch that is checked out when you clone a repository or create a new one. It is also the branch that is used for creating pull requests and merging code. In most cases, the default branch is named “main,” but it can be renamed to any other name according to the preferences of the project.

Renaming the Default Branch

To change the default branch from “main” to “master,” follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your Git repository.
3. Run the following command to rename the “main” branch to “master”:

“`
git branch -m main master
“`

4. After renaming the branch, you need to force push the changes to the remote repository. To do this, run the following command:

“`
git push origin –force
“`

5. If you have any local or remote branches that are still pointing to the “main” branch, you will need to rename them as well. To do this, run the following command:

“`
git branch -m
“`

6. Finally, update the remote repository’s default branch by running the following command:

“`
git push origin –set-upstream
“`

Conclusion

Changing the default branch from “main” to “master” is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. By renaming the default branch, you can ensure that your project is inclusive and respectful of all team members. Remember to update all local and remote branches to reflect the new branch name to avoid any confusion or merge conflicts in the future.