What happens by default with git pull?

By default, git pull performs two operations in a row:

git fetch + git merge

That is, Git:

1. fetches the changes from the remote repository
2. merges them into the current local branch via merge

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#Let's break it down step by step

When you run:

Git does the following:

#1. git fetch

• downloads new commits from the remote repository
• does not touch your working code
• updates the remote references (origin/main, origin/dev, etc.)

#2. git merge

• takes the corresponding remote branch
• merges it into the current local branch
• creates a merge commit if needed

Merge is exactly what is used by default.

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#Example

You are on the main branch:

This is equivalent to:

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#What happens to the history

• the history is not rewritten
• a merge commit is possible
• if there are conflicts, Git stops and asks you to resolve them

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#Important point (often asked)

git pull does NOT rebase by default

If you want rebase, you need to specify it explicitly:

or configure it in the config.

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#Short answer for an interview

By default, git pull runs git fetch, then git merge, merging the changes from the remote branch into the current local one without rewriting history.