The Git commands git pull and git fetch both entail pulling changes from a remote repository, but they alter your working directory and local repository in different ways. The following are the main variations between the two:
git fetch:
Fetches Changes: The git fetch command makes contact with the remote repository in order to obtain any recently added changes (commits, branches, and tags) from it. It does not, however, instantly update your working directory or integrate these changes into your local branch.
No Automatic Merging: If you wish to include the fetched changes in your local branch, you must merge them directly or rebase them after executing git fetch. You now have authority over the date and method of merging the modifications.
Safety: Git fetch is a safer operation since it won’t inadvertently overwrite or interfere with your local modifications because it doesn’t automatically update your working directory or branch.
git pull:
Combines Fetch and Merge/Rebase: Depending on your settings, git pull combines two operations: a git fetch and either a git merge or a git-rebase. After retrieving the modifications from the remote repository, it instantly incorporates them into your local branch.
Automatic Updating: When you use git pull, the changes from the remote are automatically merged or rebased into your current branch. While this may be practical, if you have uncommitted work, it may also result in unforeseen conflicts and adjustments.
Less Control: Although git pull is more practical, you have less control over the timing and method of merging changes. Use git fetch to evaluate and integrate changes manually, and then determine when and how to merge or rebase.
To sum up, git fetch gives you greater control over when and how to incorporate changes by providing a secure means of retrieving changes from a remote repository without automatically merging them. While git pull might be helpful, it must be used carefully to prevent unintentional conflicts or overwrites because it downloads changes and instantly incorporates them into your current branch. Which of the two commands you use will depend on your preferences and workflow.
