What are the benefits and drawbacks of using git over ssh vs https? (2024)

HTTPS is a secure protocol that uses encryption and authentication to communicate with a remote server. When you use HTTPS to access a git repository, you need to provide your username and password every time you perform a git operation, such as clone, push, or pull. Alternatively, you can store your credentials in a cache or use a personal access token to avoid typing them repeatedly. HTTPS is widely supported and easy to set up, but it can be slower and less flexible than SSH.

SSH is another secure protocol that uses encryption and authentication to communicate with a remote server. When you use SSH to access a git repository, you need to generate a pair of public and private keys on your local machine and add the public key to the server. This way, you can establish a trust relationship between your machine and the server, and you do not need to provide your credentials every time you perform a git operation. SSH is faster and more convenient than HTTPS, but it can be more complex to configure and troubleshoot.

Using git over SSH has several benefits, such as higher performance, better security, more control, and easier automation. SSH can compress and transfer data more efficiently than HTTPS, which can improve the speed and bandwidth of your git operations. In addition, SSH can use stronger encryption algorithms and key lengths than HTTPS, reducing the risk of interception or compromise of your data. You can also use different keys for different repositories or servers, giving you more flexibility and granularity over your access rights and permissions. Furthermore, SSH can enable you to use scripts or tools that can perform git operations without prompting for credentials, simplifying your workflow and saving you time.

Using git over SSH has some drawbacks, such as increased complexity, lower compatibility, and more responsibility. SSH can require more steps and knowledge to set up and maintain compared to HTTPS, which can limit your options or cause errors when connecting to a remote git repository. Additionally, SSH makes you responsible for managing and securing your keys, which can lead to risks if they are lost, shared, or stored in an unsafe location.

When it comes to selecting a protocol for your git project, the answer is not one-size-fits-all. Your preferences and skills, project requirements and goals, and environment and resources should all be taken into account. You should choose the protocol that you are most comfortable with, that meets your project needs, and works well with your environment. Additionally, you can use both protocols for different purposes or scenarios, such as using HTTPS for public repositories and SSH for private repositories.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Secure Shell (SSH)

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