How to Create a Local Branch From an Existing Remote Branch?

Git developers deal with multiple branches while working on large projects. These branches contain the source code files for each project module. After completing work on the local machine, they push the added changes to the remote repository branches. Additionally, Git permits you to create a new local branch with the help of the existing Git remote branch. The “$ git checkout -b <new-branch-name> <remote-branch-name>” command can be used for this corresponding purpose.

This blog will discuss creating a new local branch from the existing remote branch.

How to Create a Local Branch From an Existing Remote Branch?

To create a local branch from an existing remote branch, follow the below-listed steps:

• Move to the Git root directory.
• Add and verify the new remote URL.
• Fetch all existing remote branches from the remote repository.
• Use the “$ git checkout -b <new-branch-name> <remote-branch-name>” command.

Step 1: Switch to Git Root Directory
First, execute the “cd” move to the Git root directory:

Step 2: Set Tracking Remote URL
Then, set the remote URL for tracking the data from the remote repository by utilizing the “git remote add” command:

Step 3: Check Remote URL
Now, run the “git remote” command with the “-v” flag to verify the newly added remote URL:

Step 4: Fetch Remote “Origin”
Next, download the full latest version of the remote repository by using the “git fetch” command and specify the remote name:

Here, the origin“ is our remote URL name. After executing the above-stated command, the remote repository all branches will be downloaded into the local repository:

Step 5: View All Branches List
After that, display all local and remote branches by running the “git branch” command with the “-a” flag for all:

As a consequence, all the branches will be displayed. Now, choose the required one. For instance, we have selected the “remotes/origin/master” branch:

Step 6: Create and Switch Branch
Finally, run the “git checkout” command and specify the new branch:

Here:

• “-b” flag indicates the branch.
• “dev” is the new branch name.
• “origin/master” is the fetch remote branch name.

As a result, the new branch has been created and switched successfully:

Step 7: Verify Branch List
Lastly, verify the newly created branch by running the “git branch” command:

In the below-given output, the highlighted branch named “dev” is the newly created branch:

That’s all! We have discussed the easiest way of creating a local branch from an existing remote branch.

Conclusion

To create a local branch from an existing remote branch, move to the Git root directory and add the new remote URL. Then, verify the added remote URL for tracking through the “$ git remote -v” command. Next, fetch all existing remote branches from the GitHub hosting service. After that, execute the “$ git checkout -b <new-branch-name> <remote-branch-name>” command. This blog demonstrated the procedure for creating a new local branch from the existing remote branch.