How to Push a New Local Branch to Remote Git Repository and Track It

When you create a new branch locally in Git, it exists only on your local machine until you push it to a remote repository. Additionally, you'll want to set up tracking so that future pushes and pulls work seamlessly. This tutorial covers the complete process of pushing a new local branch to a remote repository and establishing proper tracking relationships.

Prerequisites

Before following this tutorial, you should have:

• Git installed on your system
• A local Git repository connected to a remote repository
• Basic understanding of Git branches and remote repositories
• Permissions to push to the remote repository

Understanding Branch Tracking

When you create a local branch, Git doesn't automatically know which remote branch it should sync with. Setting up tracking (also called upstream) creates a relationship between your local branch and a remote branch, enabling:

• Simple git push and git pull commands without specifying remote and branch names
• Status information about how many commits you're ahead or behind
• Automatic completion in many Git tools

Method 1: Push and Set Upstream in One Command

The most efficient way to push a new branch and set up tracking simultaneously:

Using --set-upstream-to Flag

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

Or using the shorter -u flag:

git push -u origin <branch-name>

Example:

git checkout -b feature/user-authentication
git push -u origin feature/user-authentication

This command:

1. Creates the branch on the remote repository
2. Pushes all commits from your local branch
3. Sets up tracking between local and remote branches

Verification

After pushing, verify the tracking relationship:

git branch -vv

Output should show something like:

* feature/user-authentication 3a7b9f2 [origin/feature/user-authentication] Add user login functionality
  main                        8c4d1e9 [origin/main] Initial commit

Method 2: Push First, Set Tracking Later

If you've already pushed a branch without setting up tracking, you can establish the relationship afterward.

Initial Push Without Tracking

git push origin <branch-name>

Set Upstream Branch

git branch --set-upstream-to=origin/<branch-name>

Or use the shorter form:

git branch -u origin/<branch-name>

Example:

git push origin feature/payment-integration
git branch -u origin/feature/payment-integration

Method 3: Push Current Branch

If you're already on the branch you want to push:

git push -u origin HEAD

The HEAD refers to your current branch, so Git automatically uses the current branch name. This is useful when you have long or complex branch names.

Working with Different Remote Names

If your remote repository isn't named "origin", adjust the commands accordingly:

git push -u upstream feature/new-feature
git push -u github main

List All Remotes

To see all configured remotes:

git remote -v

Handling Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Creating and Pushing Feature Branch

# Create and switch to new branch
git checkout -b feature/shopping-cart

# Make your changes and commit
git add .
git commit -m "Implement shopping cart functionality"

# Push and set tracking
git push -u origin feature/shopping-cart

Scenario 2: Push Branch with Different Remote Name

git checkout -b hotfix/critical-bug
git commit -m "Fix critical security vulnerability"
git push -u production hotfix/critical-bug

Scenario 3: Push to Multiple Remotes

# Push to origin and set tracking
git push -u origin feature/api-integration

# Also push to backup remote
git push backup feature/api-integration

Verifying Branch Relationships

Check Branch Tracking Status

git status

With tracking set up, you'll see messages like:

On branch feature/user-authentication
Your branch is up to date with 'origin/feature/user-authentication'.

View All Branch Information

git branch -vv

This shows:

• Branch names
• Latest commit hashes
• Commit messages
• Tracking relationships

Check Remote Branches

git branch -r

This lists all remote branches that your local Git knows about.

Managing Branch Relationships

Change Upstream Branch

To change which remote branch your local branch tracks:

git branch -u origin/different-branch

Remove Tracking Relationship

git branch --unset-upstream

Push to Different Branch Name

To push your local branch to a remote branch with a different name:

git push -u origin local-branch:remote-branch

Example:

git push -u origin feature/login:feature/user-authentication

Advanced Push Options

Force Push New Branch

If you need to force push a new branch (use with caution):

git push -u origin feature/branch --force

Push All Branches

To push all local branches that have corresponding remote branches:

git push --all origin

Push Tags Along with Branch

git push -u origin feature/new-feature --tags

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error: "The current branch has no upstream branch"

This means tracking isn't set up. Use:

git push -u origin <branch-name>

Error: "failed to push some refs"

The remote repository might have changes you don't have locally:

git fetch origin
git pull origin <branch-name>
git push -u origin <branch-name>

Error: "Permission denied"

Check your authentication and permissions:

git remote get-url origin
git config user.name
git config user.email

Branch Already Exists on Remote

If the branch exists on remote but you want to push your version:

git push -u origin <branch-name> --force

Warning: Force pushing overwrites the remote branch. Use with extreme caution.

Best Practices

Naming Conventions

Use clear, descriptive branch names:

git checkout -b feature/user-profile-editing
git checkout -b bugfix/login-validation-error
git checkout -b hotfix/security-patch-2024-12

Regular Synchronization

After setting up tracking, regularly sync with remote:

git fetch origin
git pull

Clean Up Local Tracking

Remove tracking for deleted remote branches:

git remote prune origin

Verify Before Force Operations

Always check what you're about to push:

git log origin/<branch-name>..<branch-name>
git diff origin/<branch-name>

Working in Teams

Communicate Branch Creation

When working in teams, inform colleagues about new branches:

git push -u origin feature/team-collaboration
# Send notification to team about new branch

Pull Request Workflow

After pushing your branch:

1. Create a pull request on your Git hosting platform
2. Share the branch name with reviewers
3. Keep the branch updated with main branch changes

Branch Protection

For important branches, consider setting up protection rules on your Git hosting platform to prevent accidental force pushes.

Summary Commands

Here's a quick reference for the most common operations:

# Create branch, make changes, and push with tracking
git checkout -b feature/new-feature
git add .
git commit -m "Add new feature"
git push -u origin feature/new-feature

# Set tracking for existing branch
git branch -u origin/feature/existing-branch

# Check tracking status
git branch -vv

# Push current branch with tracking
git push -u origin HEAD

By following these methods, you can efficiently push new local branches to remote repositories and establish proper tracking relationships, making your Git workflow smoother and more collaborative.