How do I reset the working tree without moving HEAD?

Question

Given a git branch with some commits on it (C is the most recent commit):

A -> B -> C

How do I reset my workspace so that all the fil

Answer 1

Just use git checkout:

$ git checkout HEAD~
$ # Or
$ git checkout HEAD^
$ # Or
$ git checkout B

This will bring you into a detached head state where the HEAD is detached from a branch.