github-commit-recovery

Recover deleted commits by querying GitHub's REST API with a known commit SHA to retrieve full content, diffs, and metadata. Use curl to fetch `/repos/{owner}/{repo}/commits/{sha}` or git fetch to retrieve the commit object directly, even if it's been force-pushed or orphaned from all branches.

Yes. Force-pushed commits remain recoverable through GitHub's REST API and Git's object database if you know the commit SHA. Access the commit via predictable API endpoints or use git fetch with the SHA to verify and extract the exact commit content and file changes.

Use GitHub's REST API to retrieve the commit patch directly, or fetch the commit object via Git using its SHA. Both methods work for orphaned commits; the REST API returns formatted diffs and metadata, while git fetch retrieves the raw commit object for verification.

Commit recovery requires standard tooling: curl or an HTTP client for REST API queries, Git for object retrieval, and basic scripting to parse responses. No specialized dependencies are needed; GitHub rate limits apply to API calls.

Retrieve commit metadata, diffs, and file contents via REST API or git fetch, then cross-check the SHA and parent references. The API returns full diffs and patch format; Git's object database provides cryptographic verification through SHA integrity.

Deleted commits remain accessible via GitHub's REST API and Git's object store if the SHA is known. Commits are orphaned (unreachable from branches) rather than truly deleted; API endpoints and git fetch still retrieve them with full content and metadata intact.