My Open Source Odyssey: Git Cherry-Pick and Collaboration
Published: 2023-08-10 19:56:06

Embarking on the open-source journey is an exhilarating endeavour where the world of code unfolds with endless possibilities. As an ardent open-source enthusiast, I've ventured into this realm with a passion for contributing to projects that resonate with my interests. Throughout my journey, I encountered a challenge that piqued my curiosity and led me to discover the powerful tool known as `git cherry-pick`. This tale reflects my exploration of this tool and the importance of seeking help and embracing collaboration in the open-source community.

## A Surprising Twist in the Open-Source Odyssey

Imagine this scene: I’ve poured my heart into a pull request (PR), shaping and refining code to perfection, with a sense of accomplishment, I eagerly open the PR, anticipating the moment of unveiling, only to be confronted by bewildering changes in the `CHANGELOG.md` file – changes that I never made.  The realm of open source is a grand adventure that can bring unexpected twists. In this case, the integrity of version history and the accuracy of my contribution are at stake. In these moments of challenge, the open-source community shines, offering insights and solutions that pave the way forward.

Adding a layer of complexity to this puzzle, it's worth noting that the code reviewer, with a discerning eye, pointed my attention directly to the `CHANGELOG.md` file as the root of the issue. This revelation added a new layer of urgency to resolve the matter, as it was clear that rectifying the inconsistency in the `changelog` was crucial for the transparency and clarity of the project's development history.

## The Power of Collaboration: Support Emerges

In the dynamic landscape of open source, collaboration is not just a concept; it's a way of life. Faced with the enigmatic changes, I found myself embraced by the essence of open source as support emerged unexpectedly. Collaborators within the open-source community are more than willing to share their expertise and lend a helping hand. Enter [Brian](https://dev.to/bdougieyo) with a wealth of experience. My query about the unexpected changes led him to share a technique that would shape my open-source journey `git cherry-pick`. His knowledge became my North Star, guiding me through unfamiliar terrain and illuminating a path that led to a deeper understanding of `git cherry-pick`.


Understanding Git Cherry-Pick

`git cherry-pick` is a powerful command in Git that allows you to apply specific commits from one branch to another. In essence, it enables you to pick a single commit or a range of commits and apply them to a different branch. This is particularly handy when you want to selectively incorporate changes without merging the entire branch.


Step-by-Step Guide to Using Git Cherry-Pick:


1. **Identify the Problematic Commit**: First,  pinpoint the commit that introduced the unintended changes in the `(CHANGELOG.md)` file. This can be done by reviewing your commit history and PR.

2. **Create a New Branch**: Before performing any operations, create a new branch. It ensures that your original branch remains intact and any changes you make won't affect it directly.

3. **Copy the Commit Hash**: Locate the commit hash of the problematic commit. This hash uniquely identifies the commit you want to cherry-pick.

4. **Execute the Cherry-Pick Command**: Open your terminal and navigate to your repository. Use the following command to cherry-pick the specific commit onto your new branch:

         git cherry-pick <commit-hash>

Replace <commit-hash> with the actual commit hash.

5. **Resolve Conflicts**: When applying the commit to your new branch, there might be conflicts. Git will prompt you to resolve these conflicts manually. Use a merge tool or edit the conflicting files directly.

6. **Test the Changes**: Once conflicts are resolved, thoroughly test your code to ensure that the cherry-picked changes have been applied correctly and haven't introduced any new issues.

7. **Review and Merge**: With your new branch containing the cherry-picked commit and verified changes, you can create a new pull request. Ensure that your changes are reviewed before merging.


The open source odyssey is an exciting journey of discovery, where every challenge becomes a stepping stone towards greater understanding. My expedition into the open source realm brightened the path to `git cherry-pick`, a tool that has emerged as my ally in resolving the unexpected changes puzzle. As I reflect on this adventure, it's clear that open source is more than just code – it's a vibrant community united by the spirit of collaboration and support.

As you navigate your own open source path, remember the lessons from this tale – the thrill of overcoming challenges, the appreciation for the knowledge shared, and the profound impact of collaboration. Embrace the journey wholeheartedly, for within its twists and turns, you will find not only the lines of code that shape projects but also the connections and possibilities that shape you as a developer and a collaborator.