Commit vs. Push — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
A commit records changes to a local repository, while a push sends those committed changes from a local repository to a remote repository.
Difference Between Commit and Push
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A commit is a local operation that saves changes to the version history of a local repository, acting as a snapshot of the current state. A push, on the other hand, is used to send these committed changes to a remote repository, making them available to others.
With a commit, changes remain private until shared or pushed, enabling developers to work independently without impacting others. A push broadcasts these changes to the larger team or project.
Committing changes often involves writing descriptive messages to explain the nature of modifications. Pushing changes simply transmits the latest commits, making them accessible remotely.
Commits are incremental, meaning developers can create a series of small, logical changes. Pushing, however, usually involves transmitting a batch of commits as a unified group.
The commit operation can happen multiple times locally, letting developers refine their changes before sharing. Pushing generally happens less frequently since it publishes these changes for collaboration.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Local repository
Remote repository
Purpose
Record local changes
Share local changes remotely
Visibility
Private to the developer
Public to others with access
Frequency
Frequent (per change)
Less frequent (after grouping changes)
Workflow
Creates a history of logical steps
Updates the remote repository with new commits
Compare with Definitions
Commit
To officially record changes made to files or directories within a version control system.
He decided to commit the changes after fixing the last known bug.
Push
To transmit data or changes from a local environment to a server or network.
After reviewing the code, he will push the updates by noon.
Commit
A confirmed addition of data to a repository.
Check the latest commit to see when the error was introduced.
Push
The action of updating a remote repository with local developments.
The push from yesterday included all the features we need for the prototype.
Commit
To enter into a binding agreement or pledge, especially in the context of changes in software.
She committed to maintaining the legacy code until the new system is ready.
Push
To distribute software updates or data to multiple users or systems.
The system admin will push the security update to all users tonight.
Commit
An instance of sending project data securely to a database or storage system.
Every commit is backed up by the system automatically to prevent data loss.
Push
An act of sending information or notifications from a central server to devices.
The push of notifications has been set up to alert users immediately after an update.
Commit
To finalize or make changes permanent in the context of database transactions.
Once you commit the transaction, the database will update accordingly.
Push
To enforce or apply updates to connected systems or applications.
Once tested, he will push the configuration changes to the live servers.
Commit
To do, perform, or perpetrate
Commit a murder.
Push
To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it
Pushed the door but couldn't budge it.
Commit
To put in trust or charge; entrust
Commit oneself to the care of a doctor.
Commit responsibilities to an assistant.
Push
To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove
Pushed the crate aside.
Commit
To consign for future use or for preservation
We must commit the necessary funds for the project.
Push
To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.
Commit
To place officially in confinement or custody, as in a mental health facility.
Push
To force (one's way)
We pushed our way through the crowd.
Commit
To put into a place to be disposed of or kept safe
Committed the manuscript to the flames.
Push
To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure
Pushed him to study harder.
Commit
To make known the views of (oneself) on an issue
I never commit myself on such issues.
Push
To extend or enlarge
Pushed sales into the millions.
Commit
To bind, obligate, or devote, as by a pledge
They were committed to follow orders. She committed herself to her art.
Push
(Informal) To approach in age
Is pushing 40 and still hasn't settled down.
Commit
To refer (a legislative bill, for example) to a committee.
Push
(Informal) To promote or sell (a product)
The author pushed her latest book by making appearances in bookstores.
Commit
To pledge, obligate, or devote one's own self
Felt that he was too young to commit fully to marriage.
Push
(Slang) To sell (a narcotic) illegally
Push drugs.
Commit
(transitive) To give in trust; to put into charge or keeping; to entrust; to consign; used with to or formerly unto.
Push
(Sports) To hit (a ball) in the direction toward the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the right of a right-handed player.
Commit
(transitive) To imprison: to forcibly place in a jail.
Push
To exert pressure or force against something
Winds pushing against the sail.
Commit
(transitive) To forcibly evaluate and treat in a medical facility, particularly for presumed mental illness.
Tony should be committed to a nuthouse!
Push
To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward
The regiment pushed toward the front line.
Commit
(transitive) To do (something bad); to perpetrate, as a crime, sin, or fault.
To commit murder
To commit a series of heinous crimes
Push
To advocate or recommend something insistently
Pushed for a change in leadership.
Commit
(ambitransitive) To pledge or bind; to compromise, expose, or endanger by some decisive act or preliminary step. Traditionally used only reflexively but now also without oneself etc.
To commit oneself to a certain action
To commit to a relationship
Push
To expend great or vigorous effort
Pushed to finish his paper by the deadline.
Commit
To make a set of changes permanent.
Push
The act of pushing; a thrust
Gave the door a push.
Commit
To integrate new revisions into the public or master version of a file in a version control system.
Push
The act of pressing
With a push of the button.
Commit
To enter into a contest; to match; often followed by with.
Push
A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive
A push to reform health care.
Commit
To confound.
Push
A provocation to action; a stimulus
Has artistic talent but needs a push to get started.
Commit
To commit an offence; especially, to fornicate.
Push
(Informal) Persevering energy; enterprise
Doesn't have the push to get the job done.
Commit
To be committed or perpetrated; to take place; to occur.
Push
To apply a force to (an object) such that it moves away from the person or thing applying the force.
In his anger he pushed me against the wall and threatened me.
You need to push quite hard to get this door open.
Commit
The act of committing (e.g. a database transaction), making it a permanent change; such a change.
Push
(transitive) To continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
Commit
(programming) The submission of source code or other material to a source control repository.
Push
(transitive) To press or urge forward; to drive.
To push an objection too far; to push one's luck
Commit
To give in trust; to put into charge or keeping; to intrust; to consign; - used with to, unto.
Commit thy way unto the Lord.
Bid him farewell, commit him to the grave.
Push
(transitive) To continually promote (a point of view, a product for sale, etc.).
Stop pushing the issue — I'm not interested.
They're pushing that perfume again.
There were two men hanging around the school gates today, pushing drugs.
Commit
To put in charge of a jailor; to imprison.
These two were committed.
Push
(intransitive) To continually exert oneself in order to achieve a goal.
Commit
To do; to perpetrate, as a crime, sin, or fault.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Push
To approach; to come close to.
My old car is pushing 250,000 miles.
Commit
To join for a contest; to match; - followed by with.
Push
(intransitive) To tense the muscles in the abdomen in order to expel its contents.
During childbirth, there are times when the obstetrician advises the woman not to push.
Commit
To pledge or bind; to compromise, expose, or endanger by some decisive act or preliminary step; - often used reflexively; as, to commit one's self to a certain course.
You might have satisfied every duty of political friendship, without commiting the honor of your sovereign.
Any sudden assent to the proposal . . . might possibly be considered as committing the faith of the United States.
Push
(intransitive) To continue to attempt to persuade a person into a particular course of action.
Commit
To confound.
Committing short and long [quantities].
Push
To make a higher bid at an auction.
Commit
To sin; esp., to be incontinent.
Commit not with man's sworn spouse.
Push
(poker) To make an all-in bet.
Commit
Perform an act, usually with a negative connotation;
Perpetrate a crime
Pull a bank robbery
Push
To move (a pawn) directly forward.
Commit
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Push
(computing) To add (a data item) to the top of a stack.
Commit
Cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution;
After the second episode, she had to be committed
He was committed to prison
Push
(computing) To publish (an update, etc.) by transmitting it to other computers.
Commit
Confer a trust upon;
The messenger was entrusted with the general's secret
I commit my soul to God
Push
(obsolete) To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.
Commit
Make an investment;
Put money into bonds
Push
To burst out of its pot, as a bud or shoot.
Push
(snooker) To strike the cue ball in such a way that it stays in contact with the cue and object ball at the same time (a foul shot).
Push
A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.
Give the door a hard push if it sticks.
Push
An act of tensing the muscles of the abdomen in order to expel its contents.
One more push and the baby will be out.
Push
A great effort (to do something).
Some details got lost in the push to get the project done.
Let's give one last push on our advertising campaign.
Push
An attempt to persuade someone into a particular course of action.
Push
(military) A marching or drill maneuver/manoeuvre performed by moving a formation (especially a company front) forward or toward the audience, usually to accompany a dramatic climax or crescendo in the music.
Push
A wager that results in no loss or gain for the bettor as a result of a tie or even score
Push
(computing) The addition of a data item to the top of a stack.
Push
The situation where a server sends data to a client without waiting for a request.
Server push; a push technology
Push
A particular crowd or throng or people.
Push
(snooker) A foul shot in which the cue ball is in contact with the cue and the object ball at the same time
Push
A pustule; a pimple.
Push
A pustule; a pimple.
Push
A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.
Push
Any thrust. pressure, impulse, or force, or force applied; a shove; as, to give the ball the first push.
Push
An assault or attack; an effort; an attempt; hence, the time or occasion for action.
Exact reformation is not perfected at the first push.
When it comes to the push, 'tis no more than talk.
Push
The faculty of overcoming obstacles; aggressive energy; as, he has push, or he has no push.
Push
A crowd; a company or clique of associates; a gang.
Push
To press against with force; to drive or impel by pressure; to endeavor to drive by steady pressure, without striking; - opposed to draw.
Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat.
Push
To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.
If the ox shall push a manservant or maidservant, . . . the ox shall be stoned.
Push
To press or urge forward; to drive; to push an objection too far.
Ambition pushes the soul to such actions as are apt to procure honor to the actor.
We are pushed for an answer.
Push
To bear hard upon; to perplex; to embarrass.
Push
To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.
Push
To make a thrust; to shove; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.
Push
To make an advance, attack, or effort; to be energetic; as, a man must push in order to succeed.
At the time of the end shall the kind of the south push at him and the king of the north shall come against him.
War seemed asleep for nine long years; at lengthBoth sides resolved to push, we tried our strength.
Push
To burst pot, as a bud or shoot.
The rider pushed on at a rapid pace.
Push
The act of applying force in order to move something away;
He gave the door a hard push
The pushing is good exercise
Push
The force used in pushing;
The push of the water on the walls of the tank
The thrust of the jet engines
Push
Enterprising or ambitious drive;
Europeans often laugh at American energy
Push
An electrical switch operated by pressing a button;
The elevator was operated by push buttons
The push beside the bed operated a buzzer at the desk
Push
An effort to advance;
The army made a push toward the sea
Push
Move with force,
He pushed the table into a corner
Push
Press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action;
He pushed her to finish her doctorate
Push
Make publicity for; try to sell (a product);
The salesman is aggressively pushing the new computer model
The company is heavily advertizing their new laptops
Push
Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;
She tugged for years to make a decent living
We have to push a little to make the deadline!
She is driving away at her doctoral thesis
Push
Press against forcefully without being able to move;
She pushed against the wall with all her strength
Push
Approach a certain age or speed;
She is pushing fifty
Push
Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for;
The liberal party pushed for reforms
She is crusading for women's rights
The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate
Push
Sell or promote the sale of (illegal goods such as drugs);
The guy hanging around the school is pushing drugs
Push
Move strenuously and with effort;
The crowd pushed forward
Push
Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;
`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman
Common Curiosities
What does committing do in version control?
It creates a new version of your project's state in the local repository.
What happens when you push changes?
Your commits are sent to a remote repository, updating the shared version.
Is a commit required before pushing?
Yes, you must commit changes locally before they can be pushed.
Does pushing overwrite remote changes?
Not directly; conflicts arise if local and remote branches differ significantly.
What's the difference between pushing and pulling?
Pushing sends changes to a remote repository; pulling fetches them from one.
When should I push my commits?
After ensuring your changes are complete and passing relevant tests.
Why should I commit frequently?
Frequent commits provide a detailed history, making tracking and reverting easier.
Can I push without committing?
No, commits provide the changes that get sent during a push.
How do commits relate to branches?
Branches organize commits, helping manage features or versions separately.
Can others see my local commits before I push them?
No, they remain private until shared via push.
How can I check the status before pushing?
Use commands like git status to verify which changes are staged or need attention.
Does a push include uncommitted changes?
No, only committed changes are included in a push.
Do commits have unique identifiers?
Yes, each commit has a unique hash identifying it within the repository.
What happens if I push conflicting changes?
Conflicts may require manual resolution if your changes differ from others'.
Is it safe to push changes frequently?
Generally, yes, but it's best to follow the project's contribution guidelines.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
