When working with Git, you’ll often encounter two important commands: git fetch and git clone.
While they both relate to remote repositories, they serve entirely different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between these two Git commands under 3 core categories of:
– Purpose,
– Local changes and
– Usage
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Git Fetch
Purpose
git fetchis used to update your local repository with changes from a remote repository.- It fetches changes and updates the remote tracking branches in your local repository but does not modify your working directory or working branch.
Local Changes
- It does not change the state of your working branch or modify any of your local files.
- It brings the changes from the remote repository into your local repository.
Usage
- Use
git fetchwhen you want to see what changes have occurred in the remote repository but don’t necessarily want to incorporate those changes into your working branch immediately.
Example
2. Git Clone
Purpose
git cloneis used to create a new local repository by copying an entire remote repository.- It fetches all the data from the remote repository and sets up a new local repository that includes all branches and files.
Local Changes
- It creates a new local repository, complete with a working directory.
- All the files and branches from the remote repository are replicated locally, and you can immediately start working with them.
Usage
- Use
git clonewhen you want to create a local copy of a remote repository to start working on a new project or collaborate on an existing one.
Example
Tabulated Differences
To make it easier to understand the distinctions between git fetch and git clone, here’s a tabulated summary:
| Feature | git fetch | git clone |
|---|
Final Thoughts on Differences Between Git Fetch and Git Clone
In summary, git fetch and git clone are essential Git commands, but they serve distinct purposes.
git fetch is used to update your local repository with remote changes without affecting your working branch, while git clone is used to create an entirely new local repository by copying a remote repository.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right command for your Git workflow.
Remember that choosing the appropriate command depends on whether you need to fetch changes into an existing local repository (git fetch) or create a new local repository from a remote one (git clone).
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