How to Delete the Master Branch in Your GitHub Repository

If you're looking to delete the master branch from your GitHub repository, there are a few steps you need to follow. Unlike other branches, deleting the master branch requires some extra consideration and commands. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of deleting the master branch in your GitHub repository.

Why You Can't Delete the Master Branch Directly

Before we dive into the deletion process, it's essential to understand why you can't delete the master branch directly. The reason is that the master branch is set as the default branch in GitHub, which means it cannot be deleted without first changing the default branch and then deleting the master branch.

Changing the Default Branch

To change the default branch in your GitHub repository, follow these steps:

* First, navigate to your repository's settings by clicking on the gear icon next to your repository name.

* Scroll down to the 'Repository' section and click on 'Branches'.

* Click on the dropdown menu next to 'Default branch' and select the branch you want to set as the new default.

* Save the changes.

Deleting the Master Branch

Now that we've changed the default branch, we can proceed with deleting the master branch. To do this, use the following command:

git push origin -d master

This command will delete the master branch from your remote repository.

Checking the HEAD Reference

Before you delete the master branch, it's essential to check if the HEAD reference is pointing to the master branch. You can do this using the following command:

git symbolic-ref HEAD refs/heads/

If the output shows that the HEAD reference is indeed pointing to the master branch, you'll need to update it to point to another branch.

Replacing the Master Branch

To replace the master branch, use the following command:

git symbolic-ref HEAD refs/heads/

Replace with the name of the branch you want to set as the new default.

Deleting the Master Branch in Local or Remote Repository

Whether you're working on a local or remote repository, deleting the master branch requires addressing two key points:

* If the master branch is deleted, what will HEAD point to?

* If the master branch is deleted, there needs to be another active branch.

To delete the master branch, use the following command:

git symbolic-ref HEAD refs/heads/

This command will update the HEAD reference to point to the new default branch.

Deleting a Master Branch in GitLab or BitBucket Repository

Deleting a master branch from a GitLab or BitBucket repository follows a similar process. The key difference is that you'll need to use the specific commands and interface provided by your hosting platform.

In conclusion, deleting a master branch requires some extra consideration and commands compared to other branches. However, with these steps, you should be able to successfully delete the master branch from your GitHub repository. Remember to update the HEAD reference and set another active branch as the new default before proceeding with deletion.

Git delete branch master