Why do I need to do `--set-upstream` all the time?

Question

I create a new branch in Git:

git branch my_branch

Push it:

git push origin my_branch

Now say someone mad

Answer 1

For what it is worth, if you are trying to track a branch that already exists on the remote (eg. origin/somebranch) but haven't checked it out locally yet, you can do:

$ git checkout --track origin/somebranch

Note: '-t' is the shortened version of '--track' option.

This sets up the same association right off the bat.

Answer 2

You can set up a really good alias that can handle this without the overly verbose syntax.

I have the following alias in ~/.gitconfig:

po = "!git push -u origin \"$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)\""

After making a commit on a new branch, you can push your new branch by simply typing the command:

git po

Answer 3

I use this Git alias instead of copy/pasting the suggestion from Git every time: https://gist.github.com/ekilah/88a880c84a50b73bd306

Source copied below (add this to your ~/.gitconfig file):

[alias]
  pushup = "!gitbranchname() { git symbolic-ref --short HEAD; }; gitpushupstream() { git push --set-upstream origin `gitbranchname`; }; gitpushupstream"

Answer 4

If the below doesn't work:

git config --global push.default current

You should also update your project's local config, as its possible your project has local git configurations:

git config --local push.default current

Answer 5

You can use:

git config --global branch.autosetupmerge always

which will link the upstream branch each time you create or checkout a new branch.

See https://felipec.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/advanced-git-concepts-the-upstream-tracking-branch/

This also works with branch.autosetuprebase, if you follow a more rebase focused workflow, but don't use this unless you know what you're doing, as it will default your pull behavior to rebase, which can cause odd results.

Answer 6

This is my most common use for The Fuck.

$ git push
fatal: The current branch master has no upstream branch.
To push the current branch and set the remote as upstream, use

    git push --set-upstream origin master

$ fuck
git push --set-upstream origin master [enter/↑/↓/ctrl+c]
Counting objects: 9, done.
...

Also, it's fun to type swear words in your terminal.