Move prototype code out of master branch with git

Question

The master branch of a new project's git repo contains only prototype/spike code. I'm about to re-start the coding from scratch, now that I have the basic ideas understood.

I want the master branch to be clear of all the prototype code. Ideally the prototype code needs to be moved into a branch so I can still get to it later.

Is it possible to reset master back to before the first commit? What are the git commands to do this?

Answer 1

If you're really going to start from scratch, just create a completely new repository. It's possible to have two branches without any common ancestor, but it's not really that useful.

Answer 2

This is how you create a new branch not sharing any history with your other branches: How to create a new empty branch for a new project.

Before following these instructions, just rename your existing master to prototype using git branch -m master prototype. Then, when following the linked instructions, use master instead of newbranch.