Guide a safe git rebase of the current branch onto a target branch, including conflict triage and resolution steps. Use when asked to rebase, update a branch, or resolve rebase conflicts.
Install
npx skillscat add jmerta/codex-skills/rebase-assistant Install via the SkillsCat registry.
About this skill
This skill guides safe git rebase operations by automating conflict detection, resolution guidance, and preflight checks. It solves the problem of manual rebase complexity and conflict resolution ambiguity. Use it when rebasing branches, updating dependencies, or resolving merge conflicts requiring structured triage.
SKILL.md
Rebase assistant
Goal
Rebase the current branch onto a target branch safely, with built-in conflict resolution guidance.
Inputs to confirm (ask if missing)
- Target branch (explicit branch name or "default branch").
- Preferred conflict bias when ambiguous: keep ours, keep theirs, or manual merge.
- Protected paths or file types to avoid touching.
Workflow
- Identify the target branch
- If user says "default branch": discover via
git remote show origin(read "HEAD branch"). - If ambiguous or no remote: ask the user which branch to use.
- If user says "default branch": discover via
- Preflight checks
git status -sb(must be clean before rebase).git fetch --pruneto sync remotes.- Optional safety branch (ask before creating):
git branch backup/<current-branch>.
- Start the rebase
git rebase <target-branch>
- If conflicts occur, resolve (repeat per file)
- Inspect conflict list:
git status -sbgit diff --name-only --diff-filter=U
- Classify and inspect:
- Content conflicts: open file, resolve markers.
- Delete/modify or rename conflicts: decide keep vs delete explicitly.
- Binary conflicts: choose ours/theirs only.
- Show base/ours/theirs when useful:
git show :1:<path>git show :2:<path>git show :3:<path>
- File-level choice when safe:
git checkout --ours <path>git checkout --theirs <path>
- Stage resolved files:
git add <path> - Continue:
git rebase --continue
- Inspect conflict list:
- Finish and verify
- Ensure no conflicts:
git status -sb - Suggest a fast test/build if available.
- Ensure no conflicts:
Safety rules
- Never run
git reset --hard,git clean -fd, orgit rebase --abortunless the user explicitly requests it. - Always show candidate commands before applying destructive changes.
Deliverables
- The exact rebase command used and target branch.
- Conflict list grouped by type with per-file resolution guidance.
- Completion command and a short verification suggestion.