How to Synchronize Your Fork Repository with Upstream Changes

Published on · 2 min read
Git

When working with forked repositories, it’s crucial to keep your fork up-to-date with the original (upstream) repository. This ensures you’re working with the latest code and reduces the chances of conflicts when submitting pull requests. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of synchronizing your fork while preserving your own commits.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have:

  1. Git installed on your local machine
  2. A forked repository cloned to your local machine
  3. Basic familiarity with Git commands

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Up the Upstream Remote

If you haven’t already, you need to add the original repository as a remote. This is typically called “upstream”.

git remote add upstream https://github.com/original-owner/repository-name.git

To verify, run:

git remote -v

You should see both your fork (origin) and the upstream repository listed.

2. Fetch the Latest Upstream Changes

Before synchronizing, fetch the latest changes from the upstream repository:

git fetch upstream

3. Switch to Your Main Branch

Ensure you’re on the branch you want to update (usually main or master):

git checkout main

4. Rebase Your Branch

Now, rebase your branch on top of the upstream changes:

git rebase upstream/main

This step replays your commits on top of the latest upstream changes, keeping your commit history clean and linear.

5. Resolve Conflicts (if any)

If there are conflicts during the rebase, Git will pause and allow you to resolve them. After resolving conflicts in each file:

git add <filename>
git rebase --continue

Repeat this process until all conflicts are resolved and the rebase is complete.

6. Update Your Fork on GitHub

Once the rebase is successful, you’ll need to update your fork on GitHub. Since you’ve rewritten your commit history, you’ll need to force push:

git push origin main --force

Note: Be cautious with force pushing, especially if you’re collaborating with others on the same branch.

Best Practices

  • Regularly sync your fork to minimize large divergences
  • Create feature branches for your work instead of committing directly to main
  • If you’re collaborating with others, communicate before force pushing

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can keep your fork up-to-date with the upstream repository while preserving your own commits. This process helps maintain a clean Git history and makes it easier to contribute back to the original project.

Remember, while this method using rebase is powerful, it rewrites Git history. Always exercise caution, especially when working on shared branches.

Happy coding and collaborating!