How to Use GitHub to Sync Your Forked Repository

Keeping Your Fork Updated:

Developers can often contribute to projects by making modifications and submitting pull requests by forking a repository on GitHub. It can be a little difficult, though, to keep your fork up to date with the most recent modifications in the original source.

We'll walk you through the process of synchronizing your forked repository with the original repository in this guide. Regardless of your level of experience, this comprehensive guide will assist you in keeping your fork up to date with the most recent commits.

Command	Description
git remote add upstream <URL>	'upstream' is the remote name for the original repository, which is added to track changes made to the source repository.
git fetch upstream	Obtains references and objects from a different repository—in this example, the upstream remote.
git merge upstream/main	Incorporates updates from the main branch upstream into the current branch.
git push origin main	Updates the remote repository with local main branch commits.
git checkout main	Changes to the local repository's main branch.
git remote -v	Shows the URLs for the remote repositories that Git has stored.

Understanding Git Sync Processes

Users can synchronize their forked GitHub repositories with the original source repository by using the scripts mentioned above. Git Command Line Interface (CLI) is used in the first script. After opening your forked repository, the original repository is added as a remote with the name . This enables changes from the original source repository to be tracked by your local git instance. The upstream repository's most recent modifications are retrieved with the command , which does not involve merging them into your local branch. You can make sure you're working on the correct branch by using to switch to your primary branch.

The modifications that were retrieved from the upstream repository are then merged into your local main branch by using the command . Maintaining your fork up to date with the most recent commits from the source project requires doing this. Ultimately, the command applies the recently merged modifications to your GitHub cloned repository. Resolving any merge conflicts that may come up during this process is what the optional stages entail. Users who prefer a graphical user interface over the command line may find the second script more approachable as it offers a comparable workflow utilizing the GitHub Desktop program.

# Step 1: Navigate to your forked repository
cd path/to/your/forked-repo

# Step 2: Add the original repository as an upstream remote
git remote add upstream https://github.com/original-owner/original-repo.git

# Step 3: Fetch the latest changes from the upstream repository
git fetch upstream

# Step 4: Check out your main branch
git checkout main

# Step 5: Merge the changes from the upstream/main into your local main branch
git merge upstream/main

# Step 6: Push the updated main branch to your fork on GitHub
git push origin main

# Optional: If you encounter conflicts, resolve them before pushing
# and commit the resolved changes.

# Step 1: Open GitHub Desktop and go to your forked repository

# Step 2: Click on the "Repository" menu and select "Repository Settings..."

# Step 3: In the "Remote" section, add the original repository URL as the upstream remote

# Step 4: Fetch the latest changes from the upstream repository
# by selecting "Fetch origin" and then "Fetch upstream"

# Step 5: Switch to your main branch if you are not already on it

# Step 6: Merge the changes from the upstream/main into your local main branch
# by selecting "Branch" and then "Merge into current branch..."

# Step 7: Push the updated main branch to your fork on GitHub
# by selecting "Push origin"

# Optional: Resolve any merge conflicts if they arise and commit the changes

Updating Forked Repositories: Extra Things to Take Into Account

Knowing how vital branch management is is another essential component of maintaining a forked repository. Developers frequently work on various features or fixes in distinct branches. It's crucial to update the main branch and take into account integrating upstream changes into other active branches when syncing a fork. This guarantees that all project components are in line with the most recent upgrades and helps prevent disputes in the future.

Using tags and releases can also be advantageous. You may manage stable iterations of your project by labeling commits and generating releases on a regular basis. It is simpler to determine which versions have been incorporated and which require updates while syncing. This approach is especially helpful for bigger projects involving several partners.

1. How can I add a remote to the original repository?
2. is the command to add the original repository.
3. What does do?
4. With this command, you can get the most recent modifications without merging them from the upstream repository.
5. How do I go to the primary branch?
6. Press to navigate to your primary branch.
7. What does serve to accomplish?
8. Changes from the upstream main branch are merged into your local main branch using this command.
9. How can I make changes to my GitHub cloned repository?
10. Use to update your GitHub fork after integrating changes.
11. Is it possible to sync my fork with GitHub Desktop?
12. Yes, a graphical interface for fetching, merging, and pushing changes is available with GitHub Desktop.
13. What happens if there are disagreements when merging?
14. Conflicts must be manually resolved before the resolved modifications can be committed.
15. Why are tags and releases important to use?
16. Update management is facilitated by tags and releases, which aid in maintaining track of stable versions.
17. Should I update the branches other than the main one?
18. Sure, maintaining consistency and preventing conflicts is achieved by updating other active branches.

It is essential to keep your forked repository in sync with the original source in order to preserve the authenticity and value of your contributions. To keep your fork current with the most recent modifications, you should periodically fetch, merge, and push updates. This approach can be made simpler by using programs like GitHub Desktop and the Git Command Line Interface. Additionally, you may greatly improve the efficiency of your workflow and communication by implementing best practices like using tags and releases and quickly resolving merge conflicts.