Is it better to use git branch -f or git update-ref to fast-forward existing branch?

Question

I have realized that I can use git update-ref to fast-forward existing branch that I am not on. Then I have found that similar thing can be done by git branch -f

Answer 1

With git branch -f, it would refuse to update the branch if it is the one checked out (so if it is the "current branch")

git update-ref has not that limitation.

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Qqwy adds another difference in the comments:

• git branch -f <branchname> [<start-point>] will create a new branch called <branchname> if it did not exist.
• git update-ref <branchname> <newvalue> will do nothing in this case.