Git Push Origin
Push a local branch to origin to initialize it on the remote (GitHub).
When to Use
- •New branch needs to exist on GitHub
- •First push of a local branch
- •Setting up remote tracking
- •Any request to "push branch to origin" or "init branch on GitHub"
Workflow
1. Check Current State
bash
git status git branch --show-current git remote -v
2. Push with Upstream Tracking
First push (initialize on origin):
bash
git push -u origin <branch-name>
Or using the current branch:
bash
git push -u origin HEAD
3. Verify Remote Branch
bash
git branch -vv git log --oneline --graph --decorate -5
Common Scenarios
Push current branch for the first time:
bash
git push -u origin HEAD
Push specific branch:
bash
git push -u origin feature/my-feature
Push after making commits:
bash
git add . git commit -m "feat: initial implementation" git push -u origin HEAD
What -u (Upstream) Does
The -u flag sets up tracking between local and remote branch:
- •Future pushes can use just
git push - •Future pulls can use just
git pull - •Shows tracking info in
git branch -vv
Best Practices
- •Always use
-uon first push to set upstream - •Push after initial commit(s) to back up work
- •Verify branch appears on GitHub
- •Ensure you're on the correct branch before pushing