In sourcetree, why can't I click on a bookmark and request a clone?

Question

In source tree I can make bookmarks for branches. When I do so, I know Sourcetree knows the addresses of the remotes for that branch.

So, when a bookmark is selected, why can't I ask source tree to download a clone of the remote branch associated with that bookmark?

Or why can't I select a branch in 'log view' and ask Sourcetree to make a clone or get a local copy of the branch?

Why do I have to go to Bitbucket for this operation?

There must be some explanation for why this option is not in sourcetree.

I am not asking for a new feature, I want to know what technical aspect of GIT and its operation would be violated or what aspect of the state of a git repository prevents getting a clone or a copy of the working directory from Sourcetree when a bookmark or a branch for that repository is displayed in the Sourcetree UI?

thanks,

Kimball

Seth · Answer

With Git, the primary repository is the local one. If SourceTree/Git were to allow you to easily clone a particular branch, it would almost certainly be cloning your local repository to a new, additional local repository.

Additionally, each time you clone a repository, the clone (as a fully-functioning repository itself) creates a copy of the entire history of the repository. Knowing this, it starts to become clear why it isn't common for people to regularly create multiple clones of the same repository.

If you want to work on two branches of the same repo in parallel, you want to create a worktree. SourceTree does not provide any UI for creating worktrees (you need to use the command line), but once created, the worktree can be added to SourceTree like it is another repository. Keep in mind, since they share repo details, fetching in one will fetch for both, and the two worktrees cannot both checkout the same branch.

Seth · Answer

Each rounded rectangle represents a branch. A branch is a pointer to a particular commit that will move if a new commit is committed to that branch.

For more information, you might find the Git Book helpful: https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2

Focus on the first three sections of Chapter 1, and Chapters 2 and 3. (Chapter 3 especially for branching)

thinsoldier · Answer

Your window should look like this:

image2016-7-18 14:2:22.png