How to Set Upstream Branch on Git?

It is important to Setup an Upstream Branch in Git to make the workflow smooth and manage branches efficiently. When you want to clone a new repository or work with various feature branches, you need to know how to work with upstream branches and how you can set them up.

In this article, we will explore how to set up upstream branches and also see which git local branch is tracking which upstream remote branch.

Prerequisites

• Git is installed and configured on your local machine.
• A cloned Git repository or your own Git project exists locally

What is an Upstream Branch?

An upstream branch in Git refers to a branch that serves as a reference point for another branch. Typically, it's used to track the remote branch, allowing developers to fetch updates, compare changes, and push their commits easily. Setting an upstream branch simplifies the process of keeping local and remote repositories in sync.

How to Set Upstream Branches in Git?

Using the Git Push command with the "-u" option for the upstream branch.

Set Upstream Branch using Git Push command

To set Upstream Branch using Git Push, you first have to Create a new branch with the name '' and switch to the current branch using the -b option

git checkout -b <branch name>

Switching the branch confirmation appears below:

When the current branch i.e ('new_branch') has no Upstream branch set and we try to run the command "Git push". After running the below command in cmd:

Now, you need to set the upstream branch using the Git push command with the -u option.  Replace <branch name> with your branch name.

git push -u origin <branch name>

 Alternatively, you can use the '--set-upstream' command as well to set the Upstream branch

git push --set-upstream origin <branch name>

How to Change Upstream Branches in Git

Now, you need to track a new upstream branch than the one you just setup running:

git branch -u <remote/branch name>

For example:

git branch main -u <origin/new_branch>
git branch main -u <origin/main>

The terminal prints out the confirmation message:

How to check which Git Branches are tracking which Upstream Branches

Now To check which Git Branches are tracking which Upstream Branches,you can list all your branches that are tracking upstream branches using "Git branch" with the -vv option:

git branch -vv

The main branch has a tracking branch of [origin/main]. The test branch has a tracking branch of [origin/test]. The new_branch branch has a tracking branch of [origin/new_branch].

Conclusion

To set up and change upstream branches in Git is crucial for efficient collaboration and version control. This process ensures that your local branches are synchronized with their corresponding remote branches on platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket.