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Git & CollaborationBeginner

Git Fetch

PronunciationGIT FET-ch

Definition

git fetch is a command that downloads commits, files, and references from a remote repository into your local repository. It updates your remote-tracking branches without modifying your current working files or merging changes.

Where you hear it

- During team code reviews. - When preparing to update your local branch with the latest changes from the server. - In tutorials explaining the difference between fetching and pulling.

Examples

  • Run git fetch origin to see if there are any new updates on the server.
  • I need to run git fetch before I can see the new branch my teammate pushed.

Common mistake

Many beginners think git fetch automatically updates their current working files. It only updates the local metadata, so you must perform a git merge or git pull if you want to apply those changes to your code.