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🏠 Homepage 🏠 Syllabus of Day 2 ⬅️ Previous: ✅ Pushing Changes

4. Cloning a Repository

What is Cloning?

Cloning is the process of creating a local copy of a remote repository on your computer. This allows you to work on the project files, make changes, and use Git commands locally.

When to Use Cloning

When you want to start working on a project locally.
When you have forked a repository and want to work on your fork.
When you are a collaborator and want to contribute directly.

Cloning Your Own Repo vs. a Forked Repo

Cloning your own repo: You have full access and can push changes directly.
Cloning a forked repo: You work on your own copy and usually create pull requests to contribute back to the original.

How to Clone a Repository

Example: Cloning Your Fork

Suppose you have forked https://github.com/samyak-shrestha/git-repo-example to your own account.

Copy the SSH or HTTPS URL from your fork:
- SSH: git@github.com:<your-username>/git-repo-example.git
- HTTPS: https://github.com/<your-username>/git-repo-example.git

Run the clone command in your terminal:

git clone git@github.com:<your-username>/git-repo-example.git

Navigate into the cloned directory:
```
cd git-repo-example
```
(Optional) Add the Original Repo as Upstream for Syncing: This step helps you keep your fork up to date with the original repository.
```
git remote add upstream git@github.com:samyak-shrestha/git-repo-example.git
```

Example: Cloning the Original Repo

If you have permission to contribute directly, you can clone the original repository:

git clone git@github.com:samyak-shrestha/git-repo-example.git
cd git-repo-example

Next Steps After Cloning

After cloning, you typically:

Create and switch to a new branch:
```
git checkout -b my-feature-branch
```
Make changes to files in your editor.
Stage your changes:
```
git add .
```
Commit your changes:
```
git commit -m "Describe your changes"
```
Push your branch to GitHub:
```
git push origin my-feature-branch
```

Now you’re ready to open a pull request or continue working!

Summary Table

Scenario	Command Example
Clone your fork (SSH)	`git clone git@github.com:<your-username>/git-repo-example.git`
Clone your fork (HTTPS)	`git clone https://github.com/<your-username>/git-repo-example.git`
Clone original repo	`git clone git@github.com:samyak-shrestha/git-repo-example.git`

Tip:

Use SSH for convenience if you have set up SSH keys.
Always clone your fork if you plan to contribute

➡️Up Next: 🍴 Forking a Repository

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