Beginner's mistake: Forgetting to commit working code before making changes

Hey everyone, I’m new to coding and just had a frustrating experience with my Spring Boot project. I got super excited when my code worked on the first try, but then I messed up while trying to make improvements. I felt like I didn’t know enough to fix the issues I created.

When I tried to reset my git to the last commit, I realized I hadn’t pushed the good changes I made earlier. Now I’m stuck and feeling pretty bummed.

I’m curious how experienced developers handle this kind of situation, especially in big companies. Do you have any tips for avoiding this mistake in the future? How often do you commit your code, and what’s your process for making sure you don’t lose progress?

Thanks for any advice you can share!

been there, done that. try committing as you go - even small changes help. i do commits every little step, and git stash works wonders when switching context. no worries, mistakes are real part of learning.

I’ve been there, and it’s a rite of passage for developers. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

Commit early and often. I make it a habit to commit every time I complete a small, functional piece of code. It’s like creating save points in a video game.

Use feature branches. Before starting on a new feature or major change, I create a new branch. This way, if things go south, my main branch is still intact.

Utilize git stash. If I’m in the middle of something and need to switch tasks, I use git stash to save my changes without committing.

Set up auto-save in your IDE. Most modern IDEs have this feature, which can be a lifesaver.

Remember, even seasoned devs make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and improve your workflow. Keep at it, and you’ll develop good habits that’ll serve you well throughout your career.

As someone who’s been coding for years, I can assure you this happens to everyone at some point. The key is developing a solid workflow. I’ve found that setting reminders helps immensely. I use a timer app that prompts me to commit every 30 minutes or so when I’m actively coding. This ensures I don’t go too long without saving my progress.

Another tip: before making any significant changes, I always create a backup branch. This way, if things go sideways, I can easily revert without losing work. It’s also worth exploring your IDE’s local history feature if available. This can sometimes help recover recent changes even if you didn’t commit.

Remember, these habits take time to build. Don’t be too hard on yourself - we’ve all been there. Keep practicing, and it’ll become second nature before you know it.