! [remote rejected] master -> master (pre-receive hook declined)

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04-04-2025

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Pushing your code to a remote Git repository, only to be met with the dreaded "remote: rejected master -> master (pre-receive hook declined)" message, is frustrating. This error signifies that a pre-receive hook on the server prevented your push. This article will delve into the reasons behind this error, explore solutions based on Stack Overflow insights, and provide practical advice to prevent future occurrences.

Understanding Pre-Receive Hooks

Before troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand what a pre-receive hook is. It's a server-side script that runs before a Git push completes. Its purpose is to enforce specific rules and policies before accepting changes to the remote repository. These rules might include:

• Code style enforcement: The hook could check if your code adheres to a specific style guide (e.g., using linters like ESLint or Pylint).
• Security checks: It might scan for vulnerabilities or sensitive information in your code.
• Testing requirements: The hook could ensure that automated tests pass before accepting the push.
• Branch protection: It could prevent pushes to specific branches (like master or main) unless certain conditions are met (e.g., code review approval).

Common Causes and Stack Overflow Solutions

Let's explore some common reasons for this error, drawing on insights from Stack Overflow:

1. Branch Protection Rules:

• Problem: The most frequent cause is a server-side configuration that prohibits direct pushes to the master (or main) branch. This is a common practice to encourage code reviews and prevent accidental deployment of faulty code.

• Stack Overflow Reference: Many Stack Overflow threads (search for "pre-receive hook branch protection") discuss this issue and suggest using pull requests or merge requests instead of direct pushes.

• Solution: Instead of directly pushing to master, create a feature branch, push that branch to the remote repository, and then create a pull request. The project maintainers will review your changes, and if approved, merge the feature branch into master.

2. Failing Tests or Code Style Checks:

• Problem: The pre-receive hook might be configured to run automated tests or code style checks. If these checks fail, the push will be rejected.

• Stack Overflow Reference: Searches on Stack Overflow for "pre-receive hook test failure" often point to build system logs or server-side error messages. Finding the actual cause frequently involves checking the server's logs to see what tests failed or where the code style checks found discrepancies.

• Solution: Fix the failing tests or code style violations locally before attempting another push. The server-side logs will pinpoint the exact issue. If you don't have access to the server logs, contact the repository administrator for assistance.

3. Incorrect Username or Password:

• Problem: Less common, but sometimes the error appears due to authentication problems. A wrong username or password may trigger a rejection, even if it's not explicitly stated in the error message.

• Stack Overflow Reference: Threads related to Git authentication issues on Stack Overflow will often suggest verifying credentials and checking for typos in the username and password.

• Solution: Verify your Git credentials. Try re-authenticating with the remote repository.

4. Server-Side Issues:

• Problem: The problem might be on the server's side entirely — a misconfigured hook, a server outage, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Stack Overflow Reference: While Stack Overflow isn't always the best source for resolving such complex server-side issues, it might offer suggestions on troubleshooting server connectivity or accessing server logs.

• Solution: Contact the repository administrator to report the error and seek assistance.

Preventing Future Errors

• Understand the repository's workflow: Before making pushes, familiarize yourself with the repository's contribution guidelines and branching strategy.
• Run local checks: Before pushing, run any local checks to ensure that your code meets the project's standards.
• Use a feature branch workflow: This minimizes the risk of breaking the main branch.
• Communicate with the repository maintainers: If you encounter issues, contact them for assistance.

By understanding the nature of pre-receive hooks and following these strategies, you can navigate the "remote: rejected master -> master (pre-receive hook declined)" error efficiently and contribute effectively to your Git repositories. Remember to always check server-side logs for detailed error messages.