subtree vs submodule
- Git course
- Expert
- Lesson 15/32
- 4 min
Learn the difference between subtree and submodule.
What is a subtree?
Git subtree allows you to include the contents of another repository in a specific subdirectory of the current repository. The added project's files appear like normal files in the main repository and are managed in its history.
git subtree add --prefix=libs/tool \
https://example.com/tool.git mainWith the subtree approach, the dependent project's contents become part of the main repository.
Comparing subtree and submodule
A submodule connects another repository inside the main repository as a separate Git repository and records a specific commit reference. A subtree adds the other repository's files to a subdirectory of the main repository.
# Submodule
git submodule add https://example.com/lib.git libs/lib
# Subtree
git subtree add --prefix=libs/tool \
https://example.com/tool.git mainA submodule preserves the independent repository structure. A subtree makes it easier to manage the contents directly inside the main repository.
Practice Write a subtree add command
Add the main branch of the repository at https://example.com/shared.git to the vendor/shared directory in the main repository. Use the git subtree add command and the --prefix parameter.
Starter code
# Subtree deposunu hedef dizine ekleSample solution
git subtree add --prefix=vendor/shared https://example.com/shared.git main
echo 'Subtree eklendi: vendor/shared'Expected output
Subtree eklendi: vendor/shared
Questions and answers
Review the lesson questions together with their answers. To test yourself, solve the lesson interactively.
1 You want to manage a library's files like normal files in the main repository. Which approach is suitable?
- Sparse-checkout
- Git worktree
- Git submodule
- Git subtree Correct answer
Explanation: Subtree includes another repository's contents in a subdirectory of the main repository and manages the files in its history.
2 Specify the subtree directory
git subtree add --prefix=____ https://example.com/tool.git maingit subtree add --prefix=libs/tool https://example.com/tool.git mainExplanation: The <code>--prefix</code> parameter specifies the directory in the main repository where the other repository's contents will be added.
3 Subtree and submodule features
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
Subtree |
Includes files in the main repository |
Submodule |
Keeps a separate repository reference |
--prefix |
Specifies the target directory |
Commit referansı |
Identifies the submodule revision |