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

git status
git branch --show-current
git remote -v

2. Push with Upstream Tracking

First push (initialize on origin):

git push -u origin <branch-name>

Or using the current branch:

git push -u origin HEAD

3. Verify Remote Branch

git branch -vv
git log --oneline --graph --decorate -5

Common Scenarios

Push current branch for the first time:

git push -u origin HEAD

Push specific branch:

git push -u origin feature/my-feature

Push after making commits:

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 -u on 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