RE: What are the differences between Git Fetch and Git Pull?

While using Git, I've come across the commands git fetch and git pull. Can someone explain the difference between them and when to use each?

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`git fetch` and `git pull` are two commands that help synch with a remote repository. They are similar in purpose, but they work a bit differently under the hood. Here's a quick comparison of what each command does. **Git Fetch** `git fetch` is a command that connects to the remote repository and pulls in changes that have happened that aren't in your current repository. Importantly, it does not merge those changes into your current workspace. Advantages of `git fetch`: 1. Able to see the changes between your local repository and remote, but don't apply them immediately. This gives you the opportunity to review changes before applying them to your local branch. 2. It keeps your local repository up-to-date with changes that others have made to the remote repository, but it doesn't overwrite your local working files. 3. You can fetch from a remote repository multiple times without messing up your local working copy. **Git Pull** `git pull` is essentially a combination of `git fetch` followed by `git merge`. It connects to the remote, pulls down the changes, and immediately applies them to your local copy. Advantages of `git pull`: 1. If you’re the only person working on a repository, it's the fastest way to get the latest changes from the remote repository and incorporate them into your local branch. 2. It's a quick way to synchronize your local repository with the remote repository. The choice between `git fetch` and `git pull` depends on your workflow. - If you're working in a collaborative environment, it's safer to use `git fetch` and review the changes before merging them into your local branch. - If you're working alone and are sure that no one else has made changes to the remote repository, `git pull` can be a simpler and faster option. Remember that both `git fetch` and `git pull` should be used in combination with other Git commands to effectively manage your repositories. Git`s strength lies in its flexibility, so feel free to experiment and find the workflows that suit you best.
Answered on August 24, 2023.
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