Git Best Practices: Pull vs Fetch + Merge Explained

When working with Git, developers often encounter two approaches to synchronize their local repository with remote changes: using git fetch followed by git merge, or using git pull. Let’s dive deep into understanding these workflows and when to use each approach.

The Two-Step Approach: Fetch + Merge

Git Fetch

git fetch origin

When you execute git fetch, Git:

  1. Downloads all new commits from the remote repository
  2. Updates remote tracking branches (e.g., origin/main)
  3. Does NOT modify your working directory
  4. Does NOT change your local branches

Git Merge

git merge origin/main

After fetching, merging:

  1. Integrates the changes into your local branch
  2. Creates a merge commit (unless fast-forward)
  3. Updates your working directory

The One-Step Approach: Git Pull

git pull origin main

git pull is essentially a combination of fetch and merge in a single command. It:

  1. Fetches remote changes
  2. Immediately merges them into your current branch
  3. Updates your working directory

Comparing the Approaches

Advantages of Fetch + Merge

  • Greater control over the update process
  • Ability to inspect changes before integrating

Advantages of Pull

  • More convenient
  • Less typing

When to Use Each Approach

Use Fetch + Merge When:

  • Working on complex projects
  • Need to review changes before integration
  • Need to handle conflicts carefully

Use Pull When:

  • Working on personal projects
  • In a simple team workflow
  • Trust the remote changes
  • Need quick updates
  • Working on a feature branch alone

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