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Git Errors

Complete guide to Git version control errors and how to fix them.

16 Error Types
fatal: not a git repository
Not a Git Repository

Git command executed in a directory that is not a Git repository.

error: failed to push some refs
Push Rejected

Git push was rejected because remote has commits that local doesn't have.

fatal: refusing to merge unrelated histories
Unrelated Histories

Git refuses to merge two branches with completely different commit histories.

error: pathspec did not match any file(s)
Path Not Found

The specified file or path does not exist in the repository.

fatal: bad object
Corrupted Repository

Git repository has corrupted objects, often due to disk errors or interrupted operations.

error: Your local changes would be overwritten
Uncommitted Changes

Git operation would overwrite local uncommitted changes.

fatal: remote origin already exists
Remote Already Exists

Attempting to add a remote that already exists with the same name.

error: failed to push refs
Authentication Failed

Git push failed due to authentication or permission issues.

fatal: ambiguous argument
Ambiguous Reference

Git cannot determine which branch, tag, or commit you're referring to.

error: cannot lock ref
Lock File Exists

Git cannot perform operation because a lock file exists, usually from interrupted operation.

fatal: could not read Username
Credentials Not Found

Git cannot find username for authentication when pushing or pulling.

error: merge conflict
Merge Conflict

Git cannot automatically merge branches due to conflicting changes in the same file.

fatal: not a git repository (or any parent)
Not in Git Repository

Git command executed outside of a Git repository directory.

error: you need to resolve your current index first
Unresolved Conflicts

Git merge or rebase has unresolved conflicts that need to be resolved.

fatal: A branch named already exists
Branch Already Exists

Attempting to create a branch that already exists.

error: failed to push some refs to
Push Failed

Git push failed, often due to remote having commits that local doesn't have.