1
Pull the latest changes from origin
The simplest use: update your current branch from its tracked remote branch.
bash
git pullMake sure you're on the right branch before pulling. Run `git branch` to confirm.
Beginner8 min read
Git Pull: Sync Your Branch with the Remote
git pull keeps your local branch in sync with the remote. This tutorial explains what pull actually does (fetch + merge or rebase), when to prefer git fetch, and how to handle conflicts that arise during a pull.
The Problem
A teammate pushed new commits. You run `git pull` and end up with a merge commit in your history that you didn't expect — or worse, a conflict that you don't know how to handle.
git pull is how you stay in sync with your team. But it does more than just download code — it also merges (or rebases) the remote changes into your local branch. Understanding what it does under the hood saves you from unexpected merge commits and conflicts.
Common mistakes developers make with this:
- Running `git pull` without understanding it also merges
- Getting a merge conflict on pull and not knowing how to resolve it
- Pulling into a dirty working directory with uncommitted changes
- Not knowing the difference between `git pull` and `git fetch`
Gitoryx: Gitoryx shows you exactly how far your branch is behind origin before you pull, and lets you choose to pull with merge or rebase from the toolbar.
What is Pull: Sync Your Branch with the Remote?
`git pull` is a shortcut for `git fetch` followed by `git merge` (or `git rebase`). It downloads new commits from the remote and integrates them into your current local branch.
Step-by-Step Guide
2
Pull from a specific remote and branch
Explicitly specify remote and branch when you want to pull from something other than the default.
bash
git pull origin main3
Pull with rebase instead of merge
By default, `git pull` creates a merge commit. Using `--rebase` re-applies your local commits on top of the incoming ones, giving you a linear history.
bash
git pull --rebase origin mainSet rebase as the default pull strategy: `git config --global pull.rebase true`
4
Fetch first, then review before merging
If you want to see what's on the remote before integrating it, use `git fetch` and inspect the diff first.
bash
git fetch origin
# See what's new on the remote
git log origin/main..HEAD # your local commits not on remote
git log HEAD..origin/main # remote commits not on your local
# Now merge when ready
git merge origin/main
See this workflow in Gitoryx. See how many commits you're behind origin at a glance
Free download5
Handle a conflict during pull
If there's a conflict, Git pauses the merge and marks the conflicted files. Resolve them, stage the files, then complete the merge.
bash
git pull
# CONFLICT (content): Merge conflict in src/app.ts
# Edit the file to resolve the conflict, then:
git add src/app.ts
git commitDon't run `git pull` with uncommitted changes — Git may refuse or produce unexpected results. Commit or stash first.
6
Abort a pull mid-conflict
Changed your mind? You can abort the in-progress merge and return to the pre-pull state.
bash
git merge --abortCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Pulling with uncommitted local changes
Git may refuse the pull, or partially apply changes leading to a confusing state.
Fix: Commit your work or stash it (`git stash`) before pulling.
Accumulating merge commits from `git pull`
Every pull creates a 'Merge branch main of origin/main' commit, cluttering the history.
Fix: Use `git pull --rebase` to integrate remote changes without merge commits.
Confusing `git fetch` with `git pull`
`git fetch` is safe — it only updates remote tracking branches. `git pull` fetches AND integrates, potentially creating conflicts.
Fix: Use `git fetch` when you want to inspect changes first, `git pull` when you're ready to integrate.
Gitoryx — macOS, Windows & LinuxPull and sync with confidence in Gitoryx
- See how many commits you're behind origin at a glance
- One-click pull with merge or rebase option in the toolbar
- Visual conflict resolution when a pull triggers a conflict
- Fetch all remotes with a single button — inspect before merging
Download Gitoryx — FreemacOS · Windows · Linux · No subscription
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between `git pull` and `git fetch`?
`git fetch` downloads remote changes and updates remote tracking branches (like `origin/main`) but does not touch your local branch. `git pull` does a fetch then automatically merges (or rebases) into your current branch.
How do I pull without creating a merge commit?
Use `git pull --rebase`. This re-applies your local commits on top of the remote commits, resulting in a linear history with no merge commit.
What should I do if `git pull` causes a conflict?
Open the conflicted files, resolve the conflict markers (`<<<<<<<`, `=======`, `>>>>>>>`), stage the resolved files with `git add`, and then run `git commit` to complete the merge.
Can I pull a branch I'm not currently on?
Not directly. You need to switch to that branch first, then pull. Alternatively, use `git fetch` to update the remote tracking branch without switching.
Related Tutorials
See it in action with Gitoryx
Everything in this tutorial is faster and clearer with a visual Git client. Gitoryx is free, runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and built for developers who want to move fast without breaking things.