Updated on December 10, 2024

git fetch

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The git fetch command is used to retrieve updates from a remote repository, such as new branches or changes to existing branches. It fetches data but does not automatically merge or apply it to your local working directory. This allows you to review the changes before deciding whether to integrate them.

Optional Commands with git fetch

You can enhance the functionality of git fetch with the following options:

OptionDescriptionExample
git fetchFetches updates from the default remote repository (usually origin).git fetch retrieves changes from the default remote.
git fetch <remote>Fetches changes from the specified remote repository.git fetch origin fetches from the origin remote.
git fetch --allFetches updates from all configured remotes.git fetch --all fetches from all remotes configured.
git fetch --pruneRemoves any stale remote-tracking references that no longer exist on the remote.git fetch --prune cleans up references to deleted branches.
git fetch <remote> <branch>Fetches a specific branch from the specified remote repository.git fetch origin feature/login fetches only feature/login from origin.

Syntax and Example

				
					# Fetch changes from the default remote (usually origin)
git fetch
# Example output:
# remote: Enumerating objects: 5, done.
# remote: Counting objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (3/3), done.
# remote: Total 5 (delta 2), reused 0 (delta 0)
# Unpacking objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# From https://github.com/user/repo
#    abc1234..def5678  main       -> origin/main

# Fetch changes from a specific remote
git fetch origin
# Example output:
# remote: Enumerating objects: 5, done.
# remote: Counting objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (3/3), done.
# remote: Total 5 (delta 2), reused 0 (delta 0)
# Unpacking objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# From https://github.com/user/repo
#    abc1234..def5678  main       -> origin/main

# Fetch changes from all remotes
git fetch --all
# Example output:
# Fetching origin
# Fetching upstream

# Fetch changes and prune deleted branches
git fetch --prune
# Example output:
# remote: Enumerating objects: 5, done.
# remote: Counting objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (3/3), done.
# remote: Total 5 (delta 2), reused 0 (delta 0)
# Unpacking objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# From https://github.com/user/repo
#    abc1234..def5678  main       -> origin/main
# Pruning obsolete remote-tracking branches

# Fetch a specific branch from a specific remote
git fetch origin feature/login
# Example output:
# remote: Enumerating objects: 5, done.
# remote: Counting objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (3/3), done.
# remote: Total 5 (delta 2), reused 0 (delta 0)
# Unpacking objects: 100% (5/5), done.
# From https://github.com/user/repo
#    abc1234..def5678  feature/login -> origin/feature/login

Why Use git fetch?

  • Retrieve Updates: Fetches the latest changes from the remote without altering your working directory, so you can review changes first.
  • Stay Informed: Keeps your local repository updated with the latest changes from the remote, without merging them automatically.
  • Control Merging: Lets you fetch updates from remote branches before merging or rebasing them into your local branch.

Conclusion

The git fetch command is an important part of working with remote repositories. It allows you to retrieve updates safely, without impacting your current work, so you can decide how and when to integrate those changes into your local project.

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