What is git fetch and how does it work?

What is git fetch and how does it work?

Git fetch is a command that allows you to download updates from a remote repository without merging them into your local branch. It retrieves new data from the remote repository, including branches and tags, but it doesn't change your working directory.

How is it different from git pull?

The main difference is that git pull combines git fetch and git merge. While git fetch only downloads the changes, git pull also merges those changes into your current branch.

When should I use git fetch instead of git pull?

You should use git fetch when you want to see what changes are available in the remote repository without affecting your local work. It's useful for reviewing changes before deciding to merge them.

Can I fetch specific branches?

Yes, you can fetch specific branches by using the command git fetch origin branch-name, which will only fetch updates for that particular branch.