Git

Git Pull vs Git Rebase

Git provides multiple commands that make the developer’s job easier. While working on GitHub projects, developers add changes to their Git remote repository and may want to merge them into the local machine. In this situation, the “git pull” and “git rebase” commands are used to fetch changes from the remote branch.

This guide will differentiate the “git pull” and “git rebase” commands and how these commands work.

Differentiate the “git rebase” and “git pull” Commands

The “git pull” command is utilized for getting the updated version of the Git remote repository and combining them into the local repository. Whereas, the “git rebase” command creates a new commit that combines the two branches and moves the local branch’s commits on top of the remote branch.

How Does the “git pull” Command Work?

To perform the “git pull” operation, follow the provided steps:

Step 1: Move to Desired Directory

Run the “cd” command along with desired directory path and navigate to it:

$ cd "C:\Git\test_repo"

Step 2: Check Remote Origin

Verify whether the local repository is connected with the remote repository by executing the below-given command:

$ git remote -v

Step 3: Pull Remote Branch Content

Use the given-below command to download the latest content of the Git remote branch

$ git pull

Note: When the “git pull” command is executed for the first time in a specific branch, it is required to set that branch for tracking. To do so, run the below-provided command:

$ git branch --set-upstream-to=origin/master master

As you can see, the specified branch is set as a tracking branch:

How Does the “git rebase” Command Work?

To perform the “git rebase” operation, check out the following steps:

Step 1: Navigate to Particular Directory

At first, move to the desired Git directory using the “cd” command:

$ cd "C:\Git\test_repo"

Step 2: Verify Remote Origin

Then, run the “git remote” command to ensure whether the remote URL has been added to the local directory or not:

$ git remote -v

Step 3: View List of Available Branches

To check the list of all local and remote branches, execute the provided command:

$ git branch -a

The below output shows that there are four local branches and three remote branches and the asterisk “*” symbol beside the “feature1” indicates that it is the current branch:

Step 4: Rebase Remote Branch

Finally, run the “git rebase” command along with the desired remote branch to perform rebase operation:

$ git rebase origin/alpha

According to the below output, the rebasing process has been done successfully and changes have been integrated from the remote branch to the local branch:

Step 5: Verify Changes

Lastly, check the Git reference log history to view the tracked changes by running the provided command:

$ git reflog

It can be observed that the “feature1” branch has been updated with the remote branch by rebasing process:

We have efficiently elaborated the difference between “git pull” and “git rebase” operations.

Conclusion

The “git pull” command is utilized for getting the updated version of the Git remote repository and combining them into the local repository. While the “git rebase” command takes the local branch’s commits and places them on top of the remote branch’s commits. This guide elaborated the difference between “git pull” and “git rebase” commands.

About the author

Sharqa Hameed

I am a Linux enthusiast, I love to read Every Linux blog on the internet. I hold masters degree in computer science and am passionate about learning and teaching.