SSH vs. HTTPS for Git: Which One Should You Use?

Published on Aug. 22, 2023, 12:16 p.m.

SSH and HTTPS are both network protocols that can be used to securely connect to a remote Git repository. The main difference between them is the type of authentication used.

SSH is generally considered more secure because it uses public-key cryptography to authenticate users, which involves a private key stored on your local machine and a public key stored on the remote server. This means that even if someone intercepts your communication, they would not be able to log in without access to your private key.

HTTPS, on the other hand, uses username and password authentication, which means that your credentials are sent over the network every time you want to access the remote repository. While HTTPS can also be secure with the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication, it is generally considered less secure than SSH.

That being said, for basic usage of Github, HTTPS authentication with a strong password is generally sufficient. However, for more advanced usage or for added security measures, SSH authentication may be preferred.

In summary, the choice between SSH and HTTPS depends on your specific needs and security requirements.

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