Understanding the Difference: Git Pull vs. Git Fetch

What is Git Fetch?

git fetch is a command used to download changes from a remote repository, but it doesn't automatically integrate these changes into your local branches. Essentially, it's a way to see what others have been working on, without merging those changes into your own work. When you run:

git fetch

it retrieves new data from the remote repository (like new branches or updates to existing branches) and updates your local repository's tracking branches. However, your current working branch remains unaffected.

What is Git Pull?

git pull, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive command. It not only fetches updates from the remote repository but also automatically merges these updates into the branch you're currently working on. In essence, git pull is a combination of git fetch followed by git merge. When you execute:

git pull

it fetches the remote changes and then merges the fetched changes into your current branch, updating your working directory to match.

Key Differences

1. Action Scope: git fetch is a safer command as it doesn't alter your working files. It's useful for reviewing changes before integrating them. git pull, however, directly affects your current working branch.
2. Local Changes: With git fetch, you can fetch the latest changes without worrying about conflicts with your local changes. git pull may lead to merge conflicts if there are divergent changes in both the remote and local branches.
3. Workflow Flexibility: git fetch offers more control, allowing you to manually decide when to merge the fetched changes. git pull is more automatic, ideal for when you're ready to merge immediately.