How to remove a file from a Git repository without deleting it from filesystem

To remove a file from a Git repository without deleting it from the filesystem, you can use the git rm command with the --cached option. This action tells Git to remove the file from the index (the staging area for commits) while keeping it in your local filesystem. This is particularly useful when you have files that should not be tracked anymore, such as sensitive information or large binary files, but you still want them to exist locally for other purposes.

Using git rm --cached

Step 1: Navigate to Your Git Repository
Navigate to the root directory of your Git repository using the command line or terminal.

Step 2: Use git rm --cached
To remove a file named file.txt from the Git repository while keeping it in your local filesystem, use the following command:

git rm --cached file.txt

Replace file.txt with the name of the file you want to remove from Git’s tracking.

Step 3: Commit the Change
After removing the file from the Git index, commit this change to apply it permanently to your local repository:

git commit -m "Remove file.txt from tracking"

Replace the commit message "Remove file.txt from tracking" with a meaningful message describing the change.

Explanation

When you use git rm --cached, Git stages the file deletion in the index. This means the file is no longer tracked by Git for future commits, but it remains in your working directory. It’s an effective way to stop tracking files that are no longer necessary to include in version control, such as compiled binaries or temporary files.

Important Considerations

1. Purpose: This method is primarily used for files that should no longer be part of the repository history but need to remain in the filesystem for local use.

2. Workflow Impact: Be cautious when using git rm --cached, as it affects the repository’s history and can impact collaborators who pull changes.

3. File Safety: Ensure important files are backed up or stored securely outside of the repository if they are critical to your project or application.

Alternatives

1. .gitignore: If the file should never have been tracked, add its name to .gitignore to prevent Git from tracking it in the first place.

2. Git Reset: Use git reset HEAD file.txt to unstage changes to a file before committing, effectively keeping it in the working directory while removing it from the staging area.

Summary

Removing a file from a Git repository without deleting it from the filesystem is a straightforward process using git rm --cached. This method helps maintain a clean repository history while retaining necessary files locally. By understanding how Git manages file states and using appropriate commands, you can effectively manage your project’s version control and ensure files are tracked or untracked as needed. Remember to commit changes after using git rm --cached to apply the removal permanently to your repository.