Difference between Git Clone and Git Fork

Git is one of the most widely used version control systems that helps developers manage source code efficiently.
While working with Git and GitHub, beginners often come across two important terms — git clone and git fork.
Both may look similar at first, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between them is
essential for collaborating effectively in software projects.

What is Git Clone?

The git clone command is used to create a local copy of a remote repository on your computer. This allows you to work with the complete codebase, view history, and make changes. By default, cloning connects your local repository with the remote repository (commonly called origin), enabling you to fetch, pull, and push changes.

Example:

$ git clone https://github.com/example/repository.git

After running this command, you will have a full local copy of the repository that you can modify and update.

What is Git Fork?

A git fork is a feature provided by platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. Forking a repository creates a personal copy of someone else’s repository under your own account on the hosting platform. This allows you to make changes independently without affecting the original repository. Once your changes are ready, you can propose them back to the original project using a pull request.

Forking is commonly used in open-source collaboration, where contributors copy a project, make improvements, and then
request the project maintainers to merge their changes.

Git Clone vs Git Fork

	Git Clone	Git Fork
Definition	Creates a local copy of a remote repository on your machine.	Creates a copy of a repository in your own account on the hosting platform.
Location	Local machine.	Remote (GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket account).
Purpose	To work with a repository locally and connect to the original source.	To create your own copy of a project and contribute changes.
Collaboration	Directly interacts with the original repository if you have permission.	Allows you to contribute through pull requests without affecting the original repository directly.
Common Use Case	Used when you want to simply copy and work with a repository locally.	Used when you want to make independent changes and contribute to another project.