[FIXED] How to Abort a Git Rebase or Fix 'No rebase in progress'

The status interactive rebase in progress (or the contradictory error fatal: No rebase in progress) occurs when running git rebase if Git encounters conflicts mid-sequence and halts execution pending manual resolution. If terminal sessions disconnect or .git/rebase-merge locks become stale, your repository remains locked in rebase state.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Cleanly Abort the Rebase

To cancel all intermediate commit rewrites and return your branch to its exact state prior to running rebase:

git rebase --abort

Step 2: Force Clear Phantom Rebase State

If your shell prompt continues to display (main|REBASE 1/5) but running git rebase --abort responds with fatal: No rebase in progress:

Manually purge residual rebase tracking folders:

rm -rf .git/rebase-apply
rm -rf .git/rebase-merge

# Reset branch pointer to main
git checkout main

Step 3: Complete Rebase After Conflict Resolution

If you prefer to finish the rebase sequence rather than aborting:

1. 1

   Step 1

   Resolve merge conflicts inside affected files.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Stage modified files:

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   git add .
   

3. 3

   Step 3

   Continue the execution chain:

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   git rebase --continue