# What is a `fork`?
# Not really ...
# What is a `fork`?
- In general, when contributing to a repository, you only have **read** access.
- In other words, you can only **pull** (unless it is your own repository or access has been granted).
- In general, you **cannot write** changes. In other words, you do not have **push** access.
- You have to work on your **own copy**.
- In other words, you have to work on your own **fork**.
# How to get a fork?
Browse to the original repository and click on the button `Fork`:
# Time to practice!
Fork the practice repository:
https://github.com/LCSB-BioCore/basic-git-practice
Then, clone your fork to your home directory!
```bash
$ $ git clone git@github.com:/basic-git-practice.git
```
Change to the practice directory with:
```bash
$ cd basic-git-practice
```
If you did not configure your SSH key, clone using HTTPS:
```bash
$ git clone https://github.com//basic-git-practice.git
```
# A note on shortcuts ...
Any other rudimentary method such as
*'I simply download the `.zip` and unzip it - works like a charm!'*
shall **be avoided**!
**Why?**
# How to update my fork?
As you have your own fork, it will not automatically be updated once the original repository is updated.
 You have to update it yourself!
**More on that later!**