Using GitHub Desktop to Link to Cloned Repository: A Comprehensive Guide

Cloning a repository from GitHub is a fundamental step in many software development workflows. Once you have cloned the repository, you’ll want to ensure that you can easily link back to the original repository on GitHub. GitHub Desktop, the official desktop application for GitHub, makes this process straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of linking a cloned repository to its original GitHub repository using GitHub Desktop. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Basics

Before we get started, it’s important to understand a few key concepts:

• Repository: A repository is a collection of files that are stored on GitHub. It can contain code, documentation, and other resources related to a project.
• Clone: Cloning a repository means making a local copy of it on your computer. This allows you to work on the project without an internet connection.
• Linking: Linking a cloned repository to its original GitHub repository ensures that any changes you make locally are synchronized with the original repository.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the basics, let’s move on to the steps involved in linking your cloned repository to its original GitHub repository using GitHub Desktop.

Step 1: Open GitHub Desktop

After installing GitHub Desktop, launch the application. If you haven’t already signed in, you’ll be prompted to do so. Once you’re signed in, you’ll see a list of repositories you have access to.

Step 2: Add a New Repository

Click on the “+” button in the upper-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window. This will open a menu with several options. Select “Clone a repository from GitHub.” You’ll be prompted to enter the URL of the repository you want to clone.

Enter the URL of the repository you want to clone, and click “Clone.” GitHub Desktop will download the repository and create a local copy on your computer.

Step 3: Link the Cloned Repository

Once the repository has been cloned, you’ll see it listed in the GitHub Desktop window. To link it to the original GitHub repository, click on the repository name to open it.

In the repository window, click on the “Settings” button in the upper-right corner. This will open the repository settings page. Scroll down to the “Branches” section and click on the “Manage branches” link.

In the “Manage branches” page, you’ll see a list of branches for the repository. Click on the “Add branch” button and enter the name of the branch you want to link to the original GitHub repository.

Next, click on the “Link to remote” button and enter the URL of the original GitHub repository. Make sure to select the correct branch from the dropdown menu. Click “Save” to link the branch to the original GitHub repository.

Step 4: Sync Changes

Now that your cloned repository is linked to the original GitHub repository, you can sync changes between the two. To do this, click on the “Sync” button in the upper-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window.

GitHub Desktop will compare the local repository with the original GitHub repository and synchronize any changes. If there are any conflicts, you’ll be prompted to resolve them.

Step 5: Commit and Push Changes

After making changes to the cloned repository, you’ll need to commit and push them to the original GitHub repository. To commit changes, click on the “Commit” button in the upper-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window.

In the commit message dialog, enter a description of the changes you made. Click “Commit” to save the changes to your local repository.

Next, click on the “Push” button in the upper-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window. This will push the changes to the original GitHub repository.

Step 6: Pull Changes

When you make changes to the original GitHub repository, you’ll want to ensure that your cloned repository is up to date. To do this, click on the “Pull” button in the upper-right corner of the GitHub Desktop window.

GitHub Desktop will compare the local repository with the original GitHub repository and pull any changes. If there are any conflicts, you’ll be prompted to resolve them.

Step 7: Repeat the Process

As you continue to work on the project, you’ll need to repeat the process of syncing,