What does the -u argument mean in 'git push -u origin master'?

[Web Master]

I new to Git and BitBucket, trying to learn how to use them from the online tutorials. I've been able to create my account and set up the repository. The Atlassian tutorial then tells me to issue the command 'git push -u origin master' to load the files I have on my local machine up to the BigBucket repository.

I understand all the arguments except the '-u' which I have not been able to find through any online searches. And while I don't distrust the tutorial, I really like to know what the commands mean when I use them.

[Edwin Kyalangalilwa · Accepted solution]

Hi @Web Master ,

It means an upstream branch.

git push -u

Git Forks and Upstreams: How-to and a cool tip

[Web Master]

Thanks for your quick response!

So, how does 'git push -u origin master' differ in effect from simply 'git push origin master'?

[Mikael Sandberg]

-u or --set-upstream adds tracking information in the config file so that you do not have to specify the remote when using git pull. 

[Web Master]

Thank you again. I will add that to my growing fund of git-knowledge.