Syncing Branches: How to Pull Changes from the Original Repository to Your Forked Repository

Introduction

When working with open-source projects, forking a repository allows you to create your copy and contribute changes without directly modifying the original codebase. However, it's common to encounter situations where you need to sync a branch from the original repository to your forked repository. In this article, we'll explore the steps to pull a branch from the original repository to your forked repository on platforms like GitHub. Let's get started!

Step 1: Clone your Forked Repository: Start by cloning your forked repository to your local machine using the following command:

git clone <forked_repository_url>

Step 2: Add the Original Repository as a Remote: To fetch changes from the original repository, you need to add it as a remote. In your terminal, navigate to the cloned repository directory and execute the following command:

git remote add upstream <original_repository_url>

Step 3: Fetch the Latest Changes: To update your local repository with the latest changes from the original repository, run the following command:

git fetch upstream

This command fetches the changes from the remote "upstream" repository and updates your local repository references.

Step 4: Checkout the Branch: To pull a specific branch from the original repository, you need to first checkout that branch in your local repository. Execute the following command:

git checkout <branch_name>

Step 5: Merge the Changes: Now that you have the branch checked out, you can merge the changes from the original repository into your local branch using the following command:

git merge upstream/<branch_name>

This command merges the changes from the original repository's branch into your local branch.

Step 6: Push the Changes to Your Forked Repository: After merging the changes, you can push them to your forked repository using the following command:

git push origin <branch_name>

This command pushes the changes to your forked repository, updating the specified branch.

Conclusion

Pulling a branch from the original repository to your forked repository is essential for keeping your codebase up to date and collaborating with the open-source community. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily sync the changes and contribute effectively. Remember to always keep your local repository and forked repository in sync to avoid conflicts and maintain a smooth workflow. Happy coding!