What is git filter-branch and what are its common use cases and risks?

Question

Git — Hard

What is git filter-branch and what are its common use cases and risks?

Accepted Answer

Git filter-branch rewrites history by applying filters to every commit, making it a powerful tool for removing sensitive files or changing author information. This command's ability to alter commit history comes with the risk of creating divergent histories for collaborators. The correct answer highlights this dual nature. Incorrect options misrepresent its purpose or omit its risks.