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How to Perform Pull and Push Operations in SourceTree
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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SourceTree is a free GUI-based application developed by Atlassian that provides a visual representation of your Git repository and helps you manage your code more easily. It eliminates the need to memorize complex Git commands and allows you to handle your repository with simple clicks and actions. The two most essential operations you will perform frequently with SourceTree are pull and push operations. These operations are fundamental to Git and control how changes move between your local and remote repositories. Understanding how to accomplish these in SourceTree will streamline your workflow and keep your project in sync with other contributors.
What is pull operation?
The pull operation in Git is used to fetch and download content from a remote repository and immediately update the local repository to match that content. In essence, it is a combination of two Git operations: fetch and merge. The fetch operation retrieves the latest changes from the remote repository, and the merge operation integrates these changes into the local branch you are working on.
In SourceTree, the pull operation is a straightforward task, made simple through its graphical interface. Through the pull operation, you ensure that your local repository is up-to-date with the remote repository, including the latest changes made by you or other collaborators.
Steps to perform a pull operation in SourceTree
Step 1: Open SourceTree and load your repository
Start by opening SourceTree on your computer. When you launch SourceTree, you'll see a list of all the repositories you've previously cloned or opened. Click on the repository you want to work on to load it into the SourceTree interface. You'll see a series of tabs and sidebars that display different aspects of your project.
Step 2: Make sure you're on the right branch
Before pulling changes, it is important to make sure you are on the correct branch. You can switch branches by navigating to the Branches section in your repository's sidebar. Double-click on the branch you want to switch to, or right-click on the branch and select "Checkout [branch name]". This ensures that the pull operation applies the changes on the desired branch.
Step 3: Initiate the pull command
With SourceTree open and the branch you want displayed, look for the Pull button, usually located at the top along the toolbar. Clicking this button will open a dialog asking you to choose options for the pull operation.
Step 4: Configure the pull options
In the pull dialog, you can choose the remote branch you want to pull from. By default, it usually chooses the corresponding branch on the remote. If necessary, you can choose another branch. Additionally, note the "Rebase instead of merge" option. If checked, this modifies how changes are integrated (choosing rebase instead of merge). For most purposes, a standard merge is sufficient.
Step 5: Execute the pull
Once you've made the necessary selections, press the OK button. SourceTree will then process the pull request, and you'll see any new changes integrated into your local branch.
Troubleshooting common pull problems
During the pull process, you may encounter conflicts or errors, especially when changes in your local branch conflict with changes in the remote branch. In such cases, SourceTree provides an interactive tool to resolve these conflicts manually. View the Conflicts sections in your Changes panel, edit the code to resolve the conflicts, and mark them as resolved once they are finalized.
What is a push operation?
The push operation sends the commits you make on the local branch to the remote repository. It is a way to share your work and contribute to shared projects with team members. The push changes the remote branch to include all the commits you make locally.
Making changes to SourceTree is as simple as dragging changes, thanks to its user-friendly design.
Steps to perform a push operation in SourceTree
Step 1: Confirm your repository and branch
Just like with a pull operation, start by opening SourceTree and selecting the repository you want. Make sure you are on the correct branch that you want to push to the remote. This step is important to ensure that you don't accidentally push changes from the wrong branch.
Step 2: Determine and commit local changes
Before you can push changes, make sure all modifications made locally are committed. In SourceTree, this can be done by navigating to the staging area. Review the modified files, stage them by checking the items you want to commit, then type a commit message in the box provided and click the Commit button.
Step 3: Initiate the push command
Next, select the Push button from the toolbar. Doing so opens the configuration dialog with other options for the push operation.
Step 4: Configure push options
Within the push dialog, SourceTree will typically default to pushing to the upstream branch. You have the freedom to select other branches if necessary. Make sure the destination branch is correct and address any settings relevant to your needs.
Step 5: Execute the push
After confirming the options, press the OK button to proceed. SourceTree will send your committed changes to the specified remote branch.
Dealing with common push issues
Sometimes, pushing to a remote branch can cause errors, typically when the remote branch was updated by another contributor while you were making your local changes. In such cases, you may need to pull the latest changes from the remote before trying the push again.
Conclusion
Understanding how to perform pull and push operations in SourceTree is critical to maintaining an effective Git workflow. These operations facilitate coordination between local changes and remote repositories, a central aspect of collaborative development. By using SourceTree, these operations are simplified into a few easy steps, making Git management accessible to users of all experience levels. Regular practice of these operations will increase your confidence in version control, leading to more efficient project management and collaboration.
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