Explain the difference between git rebase and git merge.

The Difference Between Git Rebase and Git Merge

When it comes to version control in Git, understanding the difference between `git rebase` and `git merge` is crucial. Both commands are used to integrate changes from one branch into another, but they achieve this in different ways.

Git Merge

With `git merge`, changes from one branch are combined with another branch, creating a new commit point for the merge. This results in a more linear project history, with a clear merge commit that shows the integration of changes.

Git Rebase

On the other hand, `git rebase` works by reapplying the commits from one branch on top of another branch. This creates a straight line of commits and gives the appearance of a more linear project history without merge commits.

Therefore, the key difference between `git rebase` and `git merge` lies in how they integrate changes: `git merge` preserves a project's history by creating a merge commit, while `git rebase` rewrites the commit history by placing the commits on top of the target branch.

Understanding when to use each command can help maintain a clean and organized project history in Git.

For more in-depth information on the difference between Git rebase and Git merge, consult the resources provided by the official Git documentation.