Difference Between Git Push Origin and Git Push Origin Master
Understanding the difference between git push origin and git push origin master is important for efficient version control in Git. These commands are used to upload changes from your local repository to a remote repository, but they function differently. This article will explain these differences, how each command works, and when to use them.
What is git push origin?
The command git push origin is used to push your current branch to the remote repository named origin. However, this command requires an upstream branch to be set for the current branch.
Syntax:
git push origin
When to Use git push origin
- Set Upstream Branch: When you have already set an upstream branch for your current branch.
- Consistency: To ensure that the current branch is pushed to its corresponding remote branch.
- Simplicity: To use a shorter command after the upstream branch has been configured.
What is git push origin master?
The command git push origin master explicitly pushes the local master branch to the remote repository named origin. This command does not rely on the current branch context and directly specifies which branch to push.
Syntax:
git push origin master
When to Use git push origin master
- Explicit Push: When you want to explicitly push the
masterbranch, regardless of your current branch. - Branch Control: To push changes to the
masterbranch without setting an upstream branch. - Initial Setup: When initially pushing the
masterbranch to the remote repository.
Git Push Origin and Git Push Origin Master had a big difference before the git version 1.7.11. At that time
git push origin
by default pushes all your branches to the origin. While
git push origin master
pushing your master branch to the origin.
This behavior of git has been changed now, git push origin on Git >=2.0 by default pushes the current branch to a matching branch of the same name. But this behavior, as per convenience can be overridden via git config. Now, git push is used to push the content to a remote branch.
Clarification
If you are using “git push origin” then it may push all the branches, whatever you have configured or committed to push from your repo. This is its default behavior which could be changed. If you are not aware of what is going to be pushed i.e., what all files are configured to be pushed, then in some respect it’s always on the safer side to prefer “git push origin master”. Now, there arose a question, why this question was asked in 2021 when the things have been modified earlier. Git had clarified and corrected the use earlier after all git version>=2.0, but the documentation was never corrected. It was corrected on 24 March 2021, after someone corrected it on Github.
Git Push Origin vs Git Push Origin Master
|
Git Push Origin |
Git Push Origin Master |
|---|---|
| Git Push Origin pushes all the branches to the main branch. | Git Push Origin Master pushes your master branch to the origin. |
|
Command for this: git push origin |
Command for this: git push origin master |
| Behavior could be changed via git config. | Behaviour is by default. |
Conclusion
The difference between git push origin and git push origin master lies in their flexibility and context dependency. git push origin is useful when you have set upstream branches and want a shorter, context-aware command. In contrast, git push origin master is straightforward and explicitly targets the master branch. Understanding these differences will help you manage your Git repositories more effectively, ensuring smooth collaboration and efficient version control.