When using Git for version control, we often need to connect a local repository to a remote repository (such as platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Gitee) to enable code sharing, collaboration, and backup. There are two common methods to connect to a remote repository: HTTPS and SSH. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right method can make development work smoother. This article will compare their features in detail to help beginners quickly understand and get started.

HTTPS Method: The Basic “Account-Password” Connection¶

The HTTPS method is based on the encrypted version of the HTTP protocol and essentially uses account passwords for authentication. Imagine it as “logging in with your account password to download a file from a webpage.” When Git connects via HTTPS, it automatically carries your account information (which you need to input in advance).

Advantages:¶

• Simple to get started: No additional key configuration is required. When cloning a repository, simply use the HTTPS address (e.g., https://github.com/Username/RepositoryName.git) and enter your account password.
• Good network compatibility: Most network environments (public Wi-Fi, corporate intranets) usually allow communication on ports 80/443 for HTTP/HTTPS, so you don’t need to worry about network restrictions during temporary access.

Disadvantages:¶

• Repeated identity verification: You may need to re-enter your account password every time you execute git pull/git push (unless you configure a password caching tool).
• Relies on account password security: If passwords are stored in plaintext, security is low; relying on system password management tools (e.g., Windows Credential Manager, macOS Keychain) requires ensuring these tools are secure themselves.

SSH Method: A More Secure “Encrypted Key” Connection¶

SSH (Secure Shell) is an encrypted network protocol. When Git connects via SSH, it uses a “key pair” (public key + private key) for authentication. This is equivalent to “using a key to open a door.” Once the key pair is configured, no repeated verification is needed for subsequent operations.

Advantages:¶

• Password-free operation: After configuring the key pair once, you can completely avoid entering passwords when pulling or pushing code, making it suitable for scenarios with frequent repository operations.
• Higher security: Data is transmitted using asymmetric encryption. Even if account passwords are leaked, others cannot forge keys to connect.
• More efficient for long-term use: Ideal for long-term use of private repositories or internal company projects, reducing the repetitive work of identity verification.

Disadvantages:¶

• Slightly more complex configuration: Requires generating a key pair and adding it to the remote repository (e.g., setting up SSH keys on GitHub), which may be a barrier for beginners.
• Network environment restrictions: By default, it uses port 22. If the server firewall restricts the SSH port (or the server uses a custom port), additional configuration may be needed (e.g., specifying the port in the config file).

Advantages and Disadvantages Comparison Table¶

Configuration Steps (Quick Start)¶

1. HTTPS Connection (No Additional Configuration Needed)¶

• Clone the repository: Directly use the HTTPS address to clone, and enter your account password when prompted:
  git clone https://github.com/Username/RepositoryName.git
• Push/pull: You need to enter your account password each time. To cache passwords, you can use git config --global credential.helper store (works on Windows/macOS/Linux).

2. SSH Connection (Requires Key Pair Configuration)¶

• Generate the key pair:
  Open the terminal and run ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com" (the Ed25519 algorithm is recommended for security and efficiency). Press Enter three times to confirm the default path and password (leave it blank for password-free access).
• Copy the public key: Open the public key file (e.g., on macOS/Linux: cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub) and copy its content.
• Add the public key to the remote repository: For example, on GitHub, go to the repository → Settings → SSH and GPG keys → New SSH key, paste the public key, and save.
• Test the connection: Run ssh -T git@github.com. If you see a success message, the configuration is complete.
• Switch the repository URL (if you previously used HTTPS): Navigate to the repository directory and run git remote set-url origin git@github.com:Username/RepositoryName.git.

How to Choose? Consider the Scenario!¶

• Prefer HTTPS: For temporary repository access, public networks (e.g., internet cafes), complex corporate intranet proxies, or if you don’t want to spend time configuring SSH.
• Prefer SSH: For long-term repository use, private projects (e.g., internal company codebases), frequent code submissions, or when password-free efficiency is needed.

If you find SSH configuration complicated at first, start with HTTPS to familiarize yourself with the process. Once you’re comfortable with Git operations, switching to SSH will be more secure and efficient.

Summary: HTTPS is a “convenient entry-level choice,” while SSH is a “long-term, efficient, and secure option.” Flexibly choose based on your usage scenario and network environment to make Git operations smoother!