How to Fix Fatal Error in commit_refs in Git and GitHub: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're working with Git or GitHub and come across the dreaded "fatal error in commit_refs", you're not alone. This error can pop up unexpectedly, disrupting your workflow. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll explain what causes this error, how it can manifest (e.g., remote rejected, cannot lock ref, etc.), and most importantly, how to fix it in simple steps. Let’s dive in!

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Understanding the Error:

The "fatal error in commit_refs" usually occurs due to:

• Broken references in your Git repository.
• Mismatched branch names or issues with the main branch (refs/heads/main).
• Problems during a push or fetch operation, such as remote rejected errors.
• Repository state being out of sync with the remote (e.g., GitHub).
• Permissions issues or inability to access certain files or references.

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Common Scenarios and Solutions:

1. Remote Rejected Error

When you see fatal error in commit_refs remote rejected, this typically means the remote repository is rejecting your changes.

• Fix: Ensure your branch name matches the one on the remote (e.g., main vs. master). Run:

  git pull origin main --rebase  
  git push origin main  
  

2. Cannot Lock Ref ‘Head’ or Broken References

This happens when Git cannot resolve the HEAD reference to the main branch.

• Fix: Reset the broken references using:

  git remote prune origin  
  git fetch --all --prune  
  

3. Failed to Commit Changes

This error may appear when there’s a conflict during a push.

• Fix: Check for uncommitted changes and conflicts:

  git status  
  git add .  
  git commit -m "Resolve conflicts"  
  git push origin main  
  

4. Permissions Issues

Ensure that you have write access to the repository. If needed, reauthenticate using:

git credential-cache exit  
git push origin main  

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FAQs

Q: What does "fatal error in commit_refs" mean?

A: It means Git encountered an issue with the repository’s references, often related to branch mismatches, broken refs, or push conflicts.

Q: How do I fix "remote rejected" errors?

A: Ensure that your branch names are consistent and pull the latest changes before pushing.

Q: Can this error corrupt my repository?

A: Not usually, but always back up your work. Use git reflog to recover lost commits if necessary.

Q: What if my local branch and remote branch are out of sync?

A: Rebase or merge the changes using git pull --rebase or git merge.

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