In Git, conflicts occur when the system cannot merge changes automatically. To handle conflicts effectively, it is crucial to understand the different types. Below, we present the most common types of conflicts you might encounter in Git.

Content Conflicts

Content conflicts are the most frequent and occur when different changes have been made to the same line of a file or nearby lines. For example, if two developers modify the same line in a different code file, Git will not be able to determine which change to accept.

Example:

javascript

Structural Conflicts

Structural conflicts occur when trying to perform a merge or rebase and there are significant divergences in the directory structure, such as files being deleted or renamed that conflict with other changes.

Example:

bash

Execution Mode Conflicts

These conflicts are less common but can occur when there are differences in file permissions between branches. For example, if the mode of a file changes to executable in one branch but not in the other.

Example:

bash

Index Conflicts

An index conflict occurs when the index (or staging area) has conflicting changes that cannot be applied automatically. This can occur during complex operations like rebases and different merge strategies.

Placeholder for Explanatory Image

How to Identify the Type of Conflict

Determining the type of conflict can be done by reviewing the error messages that Git provides when it encounters a conflict. Understanding these messages will help you make the best decision to resolve each type of conflict.

Practical Example of Identifying Conflict Types

Suppose we have two branches, main and feature. We want to merge feature into main:

bash

Git might show different types of error messages depending on the conflict:

• Content conflict:

• Structural conflict:

• Execution mode conflict:

Handling Each Type of Conflict

In the following chapters, we will address specific tools and strategies to resolve each of these types of conflicts. This includes specific commands, tactics, and the use of graphical tools to handle complex situations.