What is the purpose of `git fetch`?

The purpose of git fetch is to update your local copy of the repository with changes from the remote repository without merging those changes into your current working branch. When you run git fetch, it retrieves any new commits or branches from the remote repository and updates the local tracking branches accordingly. This allows you to see what changes have been made in the remote repository since your last fetch and helps you stay informed about updates made by others before deciding to merge them into your local branch or incorporate them into your work.

Understanding this function is crucial for effective collaboration in version control, as it enables developers to stay synchronized with the latest developments in a shared codebase while still maintaining control over their local changes. In contrast, the other options relate to different functionalities in Git, such as staging changes, deleting branches, or viewing commit history, which are not related to the primary function of git fetch.