Git Fetch

The fetch command retrieves changes (commits, files, etc.) from another repository or local branch, but does not integrate them. This command allows programmers to bring in and review changes made in a central repository into their local machine.

Syntax

git fetch <remote-name> <branch-name>

This will bring in changes made in the <branch-name> that exist in the Git <remote-name>. However, the changes will not be merged; that must be done with the merge command.

Note: Using the pull command performs a fetch, followed by a merge, within the same line.

Fetching From a Remote

A common use case for the fetch command is bringing in and reviewing changes made in a remote branch. The remote must exist in order for fetch to be able to access and retrieve the changes made there.

$ git remote -v

origin  https://github.com/CodeNinja/docs.git (fetch)
origin  https://github.com/CodeNinja/docs.git (push)

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Next, running git fetch on the main branch of the origin remote will bring any changes, including any new commits or files, into the current branch:

$ git fetch origin main
From https://github.com/CodeNinja/docs
 * branch              main       -> FETCH_HEAD

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After this point, a merge command can be used to actually integrate the changes.