What is the difference between SSH and HTTPS when cloning from GitHub?

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ICSM Computer · Answer

When cloning a repository from GitHub, you have two main options for the URL protocol: SSH and HTTPS. Both achieve the same result (i.e., cloning the repo), but they differ in authentication, security, and ease of use. SSH (Secure Shell) Example URL: How it works: Uses SSH keys for authentication.Requires that you generate a public/private SSH key pair and add the public key to your GitHub account. Pros: More secure for repeated use.No need to enter your username/password or token every time.Ideal for power users and automated environments (CI/CD, scripting). Cons: Requires one-time SSH key setup.Can be tricky behind restrictive firewalls (uses port 22). HTTPS Example URL: How it works: Uses username and password (or personal access token) for authentication.Usually prompts for credentials unless you use a credential manager or cache them. Pros: Easy to use—no setup needed.Works well behind most corporate firewalls and proxies (uses port 443). Cons: Requires personal access token instead of password (since GitHub no longer accepts passwords).Prompts for credentials unless you configure a credential manager.Slightly less convenient for frequent use or scripting. When to Use What? Scenario Recommended Protocol First-time or casual use HTTPS Frequent pushing/pulling SSH Working behind strict firewall HTTPS Setting up CI/CD or scripts SSH (with key auth) Summary Feature SSH HTTPS Auth Method SSH key pair Username + token Setup Needed Yes (once) No (but token needed) Credential Use No need to re-enter May need caching/token Security Strong, key-based Secure with token Firewall Safe Sometimes blocked (port 22) Usually works (port 443)

Scenario	Recommended Protocol
First-time or casual use	HTTPS
Frequent pushing/pulling	SSH
Working behind strict firewall	HTTPS
Setting up CI/CD or scripts	SSH (with key auth)

Feature	SSH	HTTPS
Auth Method	SSH key pair	Username + token
Setup Needed	Yes (once)	No (but token needed)
Credential Use	No need to re-enter	May need caching/token
Security	Strong, key-based	Secure with token
Firewall Safe	Sometimes blocked (port 22)	Usually works (port 443)

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What is the difference between SSH and HTTPS when cloning from GitHub?

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SSH (Secure Shell)

HTTPS

When to Use What?

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