{"id":12431,"date":"2026-02-19T02:39:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T02:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/?p=12431"},"modified":"2026-02-19T02:40:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T02:40:30","slug":"how-to-clone-a-github-repository-https-vs-ssh-methods-for-beginners-and-advanced-users","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/how-to-clone-a-github-repository-https-vs-ssh-methods-for-beginners-and-advanced-users\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clone a GitHub Repository: HTTPS vs SSH Methods for Beginners and Advanced Users"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Cloning a GitHub repository is one of the first and most important skills you\u2019ll learn as a developer. It lets you download a project from GitHub to your computer. From there, you can explore the code, make changes, and contribute back. But there are two common ways to clone a repository: <strong>HTTPS<\/strong> and <strong>SSH<\/strong>. Which one should you use? Let\u2019s break it down in a fun and simple way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>TLDR:<\/strong> You can clone a GitHub repository using HTTPS or SSH. HTTPS is easier to set up and great for beginners. SSH is more secure and convenient for frequent contributors. If you just want to get started quickly, use HTTPS. If you plan to push code often, SSH will save you time.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does \u201cCloning\u201d Mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Cloning means copying a remote repository from GitHub to your local machine. Think of it as downloading the entire project, including its history.<\/p>\n<p>When you clone a repository, you get:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The full source code<\/li>\n<li>All branches<\/li>\n<li>The commit history<\/li>\n<li>A connection to the original remote repo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This connection is important. It allows you to <em>pull<\/em> updates and <em>push<\/em> changes.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-monitor-sitting-on-top-of-a-desk-github-repository-page-clone-button-code-dropdown.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-monitor-sitting-on-top-of-a-desk-github-repository-page-clone-button-code-dropdown.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-monitor-sitting-on-top-of-a-desk-github-repository-page-clone-button-code-dropdown-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-monitor-sitting-on-top-of-a-desk-github-repository-page-clone-button-code-dropdown-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-monitor-sitting-on-top-of-a-desk-github-repository-page-clone-button-code-dropdown-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\n<h2>Step 1: Find the Repository URL<\/h2>\n<p>Before cloning, go to the GitHub repository page.<\/p>\n<p>Click the green <strong>Code<\/strong> button. You will see two main options:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>HTTPS<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>SSH<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each option gives you a URL. That URL is what you use with the <code>git clone<\/code> command.<\/p>\n<h2>Cloning with HTTPS (Beginner Friendly)<\/h2>\n<p>HTTPS is the simplest method. It works right away. No special setup is required.<\/p>\n<h3>How to Clone Using HTTPS<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Copy the HTTPS URL from the GitHub page.<\/li>\n<li>Open your terminal (or Git Bash).<\/li>\n<li>Run: <code>git clone https:\/\/github.com\/username\/repository.git<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Press Enter. Done. The project downloads to your current folder.<\/p>\n<h3>What Happens Next?<\/h3>\n<p>When you try to push changes later, GitHub will ask for your credentials.<\/p>\n<p>This usually means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your GitHub username<\/li>\n<li>A personal access token (instead of a password)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>GitHub no longer allows password authentication. You must generate a token in your GitHub settings.<\/p>\n<h3>Why HTTPS Is Great for Beginners<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>No SSH key setup<\/li>\n<li>Works on any machine instantly<\/li>\n<li>Easy to understand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are cloning a repository just to explore it, HTTPS is perfect.<\/p>\n<h3>Downsides of HTTPS<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>You may need to enter credentials often<\/li>\n<li>Less convenient for frequent pushes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you work on many repositories daily, typing tokens gets annoying fast.<\/p>\n<h2>Cloning with SSH (Advanced and Powerful)<\/h2>\n<p>SSH stands for Secure Shell. It uses cryptographic keys instead of passwords.<\/p>\n<p>It sounds complicated. But once set up, it feels magical.<\/p>\n<h3>How SSH Works<\/h3>\n<p>You generate two keys:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>public key<\/strong> (shared with GitHub)<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>private key<\/strong> (kept secret on your computer)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>GitHub stores your public key. When you connect, it checks if your private key matches.<\/p>\n<p>No password typing. No tokens. Just smooth access.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-keyboard-with-a-magnifying-glass-on-top-of-it-ssh-key-generation-terminal-public-private-key-concept-secure-connection-illustration.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-keyboard-with-a-magnifying-glass-on-top-of-it-ssh-key-generation-terminal-public-private-key-concept-secure-connection-illustration.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-keyboard-with-a-magnifying-glass-on-top-of-it-ssh-key-generation-terminal-public-private-key-concept-secure-connection-illustration-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-keyboard-with-a-magnifying-glass-on-top-of-it-ssh-key-generation-terminal-public-private-key-concept-secure-connection-illustration-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a-computer-keyboard-with-a-magnifying-glass-on-top-of-it-ssh-key-generation-terminal-public-private-key-concept-secure-connection-illustration-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\n<h3>Step 1: Generate an SSH Key<\/h3>\n<p>In your terminal, type:<\/p>\n<p><code>ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C \"your_email@example.com\"<\/code><\/p>\n<p>Press Enter a few times. A key pair is created.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Add the Key to GitHub<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Open your public key file (usually in <code>~\/.ssh<\/code>).<\/li>\n<li>Copy its contents.<\/li>\n<li>Go to GitHub \u2192 Settings \u2192 SSH and GPG keys.<\/li>\n<li>Click <strong>New SSH key<\/strong> and paste it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Step 3: Clone Using SSH<\/h3>\n<p>Now copy the SSH URL from the repository page.<\/p>\n<p>It looks like this:<\/p>\n<p><code>git@github.com:username\/repository.git<\/code><\/p>\n<p>Then run:<\/p>\n<p><code>git clone git@github.com:username\/repository.git<\/code><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s it. You are connected securely.<\/p>\n<h3>Why Developers Love SSH<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>No repeated credential prompts<\/li>\n<li>Strong security<\/li>\n<li>Faster workflow for teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Downsides of SSH<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Takes time to set up<\/li>\n<li>Can be confusing at first<\/li>\n<li>May not work immediately in restricted networks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For total beginners, it might feel like overkill. But for daily contributors, it is worth it.<\/p>\n<h2>HTTPS vs SSH: Quick Comparison<\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s a simple side-by-side look:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Setup Time:<\/strong> HTTPS is faster. SSH needs configuration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Security:<\/strong> Both are secure. SSH uses key-based authentication.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Convenience:<\/strong> SSH wins for long-term usage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best For:<\/strong> HTTPS for beginners, SSH for active developers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Switching Between HTTPS and SSH<\/h2>\n<p>Already cloned a repository using HTTPS but want SSH?<\/p>\n<p>No problem.<\/p>\n<p>Go into your project folder and run:<\/p>\n<p><code>git remote set-url origin git@github.com:username\/repository.git<\/code><\/p>\n<p>This changes the connection without re-cloning.<\/p>\n<p>You can check your current remote with:<\/p>\n<p><code>git remote -v<\/code><\/p>\n<p>Flexibility is your friend.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Errors and How to Fix Them<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Permission Denied (SSH)<\/h3>\n<p>This usually means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your SSH key is not added to GitHub<\/li>\n<li>SSH agent is not running<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Try:<\/p>\n<p><code>ssh -T git@github.com<\/code><\/p>\n<p>This tests your connection.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Authentication Failed (HTTPS)<\/h3>\n<p>This often means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You used a password instead of a token<\/li>\n<li>Your token expired<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Generate a new personal access token in GitHub settings.<\/p>\n<h2>Cloning for Teams and CI\/CD<\/h2>\n<p>In team environments, SSH is usually preferred.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Developers push code many times daily<\/li>\n<li>Automation tools need stable authentication<\/li>\n<li>SSH keys integrate well with servers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In CI\/CD pipelines, deploy keys are commonly used. These are special SSH keys attached to a single repository.<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/computer-screen-showing-lines-of-code-software-development-team-coding-database-schema-on-screen.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/computer-screen-showing-lines-of-code-software-development-team-coding-database-schema-on-screen.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/computer-screen-showing-lines-of-code-software-development-team-coding-database-schema-on-screen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/computer-screen-showing-lines-of-code-software-development-team-coding-database-schema-on-screen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/computer-screen-showing-lines-of-code-software-development-team-coding-database-schema-on-screen-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\n<p>This keeps automation secure and controlled.<\/p>\n<h2>Best Practices for Both Methods<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Always keep your SSH private key secret.<\/li>\n<li>Use strong passphrases for added security.<\/li>\n<li>Store tokens securely.<\/li>\n<li>Regularly review your GitHub security settings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Security is not optional. It is part of being a good developer.<\/p>\n<h2>So, Which One Should You Choose?<\/h2>\n<p>If you are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Just learning Git<\/li>\n<li>Cloning occasionally<\/li>\n<li>Working on a shared or temporary computer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Choose <strong>HTTPS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Contributing daily<\/li>\n<li>Working on private repositories<\/li>\n<li>Managing servers or automation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Choose <strong>SSH<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>There is no wrong answer. Both methods work. Both are secure.<\/p>\n<p>The real goal is simple: get the code onto your machine and start building.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>Cloning a GitHub repository is your first step into collaboration. It connects you to a global community of developers.<\/p>\n<p>Start with HTTPS if you want a smooth beginning. Move to SSH when you\u2019re ready to level up.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, Git is just a tool. The real magic is what you build with it.<\/p>\n<p>Now open your terminal. Pick a repository. And clone away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cloning a GitHub repository is one of the first and most important skills you\u2019ll learn as a developer. It lets you download a project from GitHub to your computer. From &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"How to Clone a GitHub Repository: HTTPS vs SSH Methods for Beginners and Advanced Users\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/how-to-clone-a-github-repository-https-vs-ssh-methods-for-beginners-and-advanced-users\/#more-12431\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Clone a GitHub Repository: HTTPS vs SSH Methods for Beginners and Advanced Users\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88,"featured_media":12432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[495],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","no-featured-image-padding"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Clone a GitHub Repository: HTTPS vs SSH Methods for Beginners and Advanced Users - Save the Video Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/savethevideo.net\/blog\/how-to-clone-a-github-repository-https-vs-ssh-methods-for-beginners-and-advanced-users\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Clone a GitHub Repository: HTTPS vs SSH Methods for Beginners and Advanced Users - Save the Video Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Cloning a GitHub repository is one of the first and most important skills you\u2019ll learn as a developer. It lets you download a project from GitHub to your computer. From ... 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