fetch-pack Git Command Guide

The git fetch-pack command is used to receive missing objects from another repository. It invokes git-upload-pack on a remote repository and requests objects needed to update specified heads. Usually git fetch is preferred over this low-level command.

git fetch-pack Syntax:

git fetch-pack [--all] [--quiet|-q] [--keep|-k] [--thin] [--include-tag] [--upload-pack=<path>] [--depth=<n>] [--no-progress] [-v] <repository> [<refs>...]

Options:

Option	Description
—all	Fetch all remote refs
—stdin	Take refs from stdin
-q, —quiet	Less verbose output
-k, —keep	Create packfile instead of unpacking
—thin	Fetch thin pack with deltified objects
—include-tag	Download annotated tags with referenced objects
—upload-pack=	Path to git-upload-pack on remote
—depth=	Limit fetch depth
—shallow-since=	Deepen shallow repo to commits after date
—shallow-exclude=	Exclude commits from specified ref
—no-progress	Suppress progress display
—check-self-contained-and-connected	Verify pack integrity
-v	Verbose output
—refetch	Skip negotiation and fetch all matching objects

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
	URL to remote repository
…	Remote heads/refs to update (default: all)

Caution

This is a low-level command used by git fetch. Most users should use git fetch instead. Ensure remote repository URLs are valid and accessible.

git fetch-pack Command Samples:

Fetch all refs from remote

git fetch-pack --all origin

Fetch all remote refs from origin.

Fetch with depth limit

git fetch-pack --depth=1 origin

Fetch with shallow clone depth of 1.

Fetch specific branch

git fetch-pack origin refs/heads/main

Fetch only the main branch from origin.

Thin pack with tags

git fetch-pack --thin --include-tag origin

Fetch thin pack including annotated tags.

Verbose fetch for debugging

git fetch-pack -v origin

Show verbose output during fetch.

Keep pack file instead of unpacking

git fetch-pack --keep origin refs/heads/develop

Create single packfile without unpacking objects.

Tip

Use git fetch instead of fetch-pack for most operations, as it provides a higher-level interface with better error handling and configuration.

How do I fetch all remote refs?

To fetch all remote refs, use the —all option:

git fetch-pack --all origin

How can I create shallow clones?

To create shallow clones with depth limit, use:

git fetch-pack --depth=<n> origin

How do I include tags in the fetch?

To include annotated tags, use —include-tag:

git fetch-pack --include-tag origin

How can I fetch a specific branch?

To fetch a specific branch, specify the ref:

git fetch-pack origin refs/heads/<branch>

How do I keep fetched data as packfile?

To keep data as packfile instead of unpacking, use —keep:

git fetch-pack --keep origin

How can I troubleshoot fetch issues?

To troubleshoot fetch issues, use verbose output:

git fetch-pack -v origin

Applications of the git fetch-pack command

1. Low-level repository synchronization
2. Implementing custom fetch logic in tools
3. Network protocol testing and debugging
4. Creating specialized clone operations
5. Building mirror and backup systems