In the context of version control systems like GitHub and GitLab, 'fetch' refers to the command used to download updates from a remote repository to your local repository without merging those changes. This allows you to see what others have been working on in the remote repository, as it retrieves data about branches and commits without altering your current working files. Fetching is essential for collaborative projects where multiple users may be making changes simultaneously, enabling you to stay informed about new developments before deciding to integrate those changes into your own work.
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