Git Fork

Git fork is a personal copy of another user’s repository that allows you to experiment and make changes independently without affecting the original project.

• Creates an independent copy in your account.
• Includes all files, commit history, and branches.
• Commonly used for contributing to open-source projects.

Usage of Forking

Forking is useful in the following scenarios:

• Work on your own copy without affecting the original.
• Enables maintainers to review and approve changes.
• Required for contributing without direct push access.

Steps to Fork a Repository 

A simple process to create your own copy of a repository, make changes, and contribute back to the original project.

Step 1: Navigate to the Repository

Open the repository you want to fork on GitHub and locate the Fork button at the top right.

Step 2: Click on the Fork Button

Click Fork to create a copy of the repository in your GitHub account.

Step 3: Confirm the Fork

• The forked repository appears as your-username/repository-name
• It still links back to the original repository. 

• Click on Fork

Step 4: Make Changes and Create a Pull Request

• Make changes in your forked repository.
• Create a Pull Request (PR) to contribute.
• Maintainers will review and accept or reject your changes.

Fork Using Command Line

 Step 1: Install and Verify GitHub CLI

Open the terminal or gitbash and type the below command.

gh --version 

If a version appears, CLI is installed otherwise, install GitHub CLI.

Step 2: Authenticate GitHub CLI

Before forking, log in to GitHub using the CLI:

gh auth login --web > SSH

Follow the authentication steps in the browser.

Step 3: Fork the Repository

Once authentication is done. Copy the Repo URL that we want to fork into our repo and use the below command.

gh repo fork <REPO URL> --clone

This creates a fork in your account and clones it locally.

Sync Fork with Upstream Repository

After forking a repository, we might want to keep it updated with the original project. Follow these steps to sync the fork:

Step 1: Clone the Fork

Clone the repository that we forked to the directory where we want to store the repository by using the following command.

git clone <forked-repository-URL>

Step 2: Add the upstream Repository

Add the upstream repository as a remote to the fork repository. By using the following command we can do this.

cd <forkrepo>
git remote add upstream <original-repository-URL>

Step 3: Fetch the upstream Changes

Use the Git fetch command and fetch the branch required from the upstream repository.

git fetch upstream

Step 4: Merge Upstream Changes into the Branch

Switch to the branch you want to update, then merge changes fetched from the upstream repository.

git checkout main
git merge upstream/main

Step 5: Push the changes to the fork repository

 With the help of the following command, we can push the changes to the fork repository.

git push origin main

Now the forked repository is in sync with the original repository.

Git Fork Vs Git Clone