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Fetching and Pulling

In Git, fetching and pulling are commands used to synchronize your local repository with a remote repository. This page explains the difference between them and how to use them effectively.

1. What is Fetching?

Fetching downloads the latest changes from the remote repository but does not apply them to your working directory or local branch.

Key Points:

  • Downloads commits, branches, and tags from the remote.
  • Updates the remote tracking branches (e.g., origin/main).
  • Does not modify your current branch.

2. What is Pulling?

Pulling is a combination of two actions:

  1. Fetch: Downloads changes from the remote.
  2. Merge: Integrates the changes into your current branch.

Key Points:

  • Updates your working directory with the latest changes.
  • Automatically merges changes into your branch.

3. When to Use Fetching vs. Pulling

  • Use Fetching when you want to review the changes before merging them.
  • Use Pulling when you're ready to update your local branch with the latest changes from the remote.

4. Fetching Changes

Fetch Updates from a Remote

To fetch updates without applying them:

git fetch origin

View Fetched Changes

Check the differences between your branch and the remote branch:

git diff origin/main

List Remote Branches

After fetching, view all remote branches:

git branch -r

5. Pulling Changes

Pull Updates from a Remote

To fetch and merge changes into your current branch:

git pull origin main

Pull with Rebase

Instead of merging, you can rebase your changes on top of the fetched commits:

git pull --rebase origin main

6. Resolving Conflicts During Pull

If there are conflicts when pulling:

  1. Git will pause and notify you of the conflicting files.
  2. Resolve the conflicts manually in your text editor.
  3. Stage the resolved files: 
    git add resolved_file.txt
  4. Complete the merge: 
    git commit

7. Example Workflow

Step 1: Fetch Changes

Fetch updates from the remote repository:

git fetch origin

Step 2: Review Changes

Compare your branch with the fetched updates:

git diff origin/main

Step 3: Pull Changes

If the changes are acceptable, pull them into your branch:

git pull origin main

8. Best Practices for Fetching and Pulling

  • Fetch Frequently: Regularly fetch updates to stay informed about changes in the remote repository.
  • Pull Before Pushing: Always pull the latest changes from the remote branch before pushing your changes: 
    git pull origin main
git push origin main
  • Resolve Conflicts Early: Address conflicts as soon as they arise to avoid larger issues later.

Common Commands for Fetching and Pulling

Command Description
git fetch origin Fetch updates from the remote repository.
git pull origin branch_name Fetch and merge changes into the current branch.
git diff origin/branch_name Compare your branch with the remote branch.
git pull --rebase origin branch_name Fetch and rebase changes onto your branch.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If I Forget to Pull Before Pushing?

If the remote branch has new commits, Git will reject your push. You'll need to pull and resolve any conflicts before pushing again.

Can I Fetch from Multiple Remotes?

Yes, you can fetch from multiple remotes by specifying the remote name:

git fetch remote_name

Conclusion

Fetching and pulling are vital commands for keeping your local repository in sync with the remote repository. By understanding their differences and applications, you can manage changes effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

Next Steps: Pushing Changes