Govur University Logo
--> --> --> -->
...

What does it mean for `HEAD` to be in a 'detached' state, and what is the primary implication for making new commits in this state?



In Git, `HEAD` is a special symbolic reference that typically points to the tip of the current branch. This means `HEAD` normally points to a branch name, such as `main` or `develop`, and that branch name in turn points to the latest commit on its respective line of development. For `HEAD` to be in a 'detached' state means that `HEAD` is no longer pointing to a branch name. Instead, `HEAD` points directly to a specific commit object identified by its full SHA-1 hash. This state often occurs when checking out a specific commit using its hash, checking out a tag, or during certain operations like `git rebase` or `git revert` that place `HEAD` directly on a commit without associating it with a branch. When in this state, Git indicates that you are in a 'detached HEAD' state to warn you about its implications.