# Git Fetch

URL: https://softwaredictionary.org/terms/git-fetch
Category: Version Control
Last updated: 2026-10-03

In short: git fetch downloads new commits, branches and tags from a remote and updates remote-tracking branches like origin/main but not your own branches or files.

## What does git fetch do?

Your local repository keeps a record of what each remote looked like the last time you talked to it, in remote-tracking branches such as `origin/main` and `origin/feature-x`. `git fetch` contacts the remote, downloads any commits you don't have yet and moves those remote-tracking branches to match. Your current branch, staging area and files stay exactly as they were.

That makes fetch the safe way to see what others have done. After fetching, `git log main..origin/main` lists commits on the remote that you haven't merged, and `git diff main origin/main` shows the changes. You can then decide to merge them, rebase onto them, or leave them for later.

`git pull` is essentially `git fetch` followed by a merge or rebase into your current branch. Fetching separately gives you a chance to look first. `git fetch --prune` also removes remote-tracking branches that were deleted on the server, and `git fetch --all` updates every configured remote. Many editors fetch in the background so they can show when your branch is behind.

A common misconception is that fetch updates your local branches. It never touches `main` itself; only `origin/main` moves. That is why a branch can show as behind its upstream after a fetch, until you pull, merge or rebase.

## Key takeaways

- git fetch downloads new commits and refs from a remote.
- It updates remote-tracking branches such as origin/main.
- Your branches, staging area and files are not changed.
- git pull is fetch plus a merge or rebase.
- --prune removes remote-tracking branches deleted on the server.

## Example: Fetching and reviewing before merging

```bash
git fetch origin --prune

git status
# Your branch is behind 'origin/main' by 3 commits, and can be fast-forwarded.

git log --oneline main..origin/main   # what arrived from the remote
git diff main origin/main             # the changes themselves

git merge --ff-only origin/main       # bring them in when ready
# or: git rebase origin/main
```

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the difference between git fetch and git pull?**

git fetch only downloads changes and updates remote-tracking branches. git pull fetches and then immediately merges or rebases those changes into your current branch.

**Is git fetch safe?**

Yes. It doesn't change your branches, staged changes or working files, so you can run it at any time to see what has changed on the remote.

**What is origin/main?**

A remote-tracking branch: your local copy of where the main branch on the remote named origin pointed the last time you fetched. It moves only when you fetch or pull.

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Software Dictionary: https://softwaredictionary.org/ · https://softwaredictionary.org/llms.txt