A Git client software will be used if you want to create the ideal development environment for personal or commercial projects. Git is unrivaled when it comes to maintaining control over your project.
That’s why it’s the go-to collaboration platform for developers all over the world. I’m going to show you some of the most popular Git client applications for all three major operating systems today.
What Is A Git Client And How Does It Work?
Git is a free and open-source version control system that can be used for both small and large projects. To put it another way, think of it as a code repository that allows you to save each version of the code individually.
Clients produced and available on Git encompass almost everything, with Git GUI clients being the most common.
Normally, a Git user will make changes to a project using the command line, and this is still widely considered the “proper” way to use Git. GUI clients, on the other hand, change this by letting users to work with Git in a visual mode.
This makes Git more accessible because you can make changes to a project without having to use the command line. To make changes to a project, you can instead use the built-in tools in a GUI client. The tools offered are determined by the GUI client.
As you might expect, this opens Git up to a whole new set of users, which has a huge impact on what you’ll find in the repository.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Git GUI clients.
For Your Operating System, The Best Git GUI Clients
Before you start reading this list, there are two things you should know.
Git clients are, first and foremost, designed for certain operating systems. In the case of Linux, you must ensure that it is compatible with your setup.
It’s also worth noting that you can access some of these GUIs on different operating systems by running a virtual computer.
Second, the client’s quality is not reflected in the order on this list. Let’s get started now that that’s out of the way.
1. GitHub Desktop
Desktop version of GitHub
Windows and macOS are the two operating systems available.
The most popular Git GUI for Windows is without a doubt GitHub Desktop. This is due to the fact that it integrates easily with GitHub. Users can avoid manually using the command line by logging onto GitHub, where they can manage code within the repository using the GUI.
Most importantly, this is a free open-source project, which is one of the main reasons why most people like it.
It’s extremely beneficial for collaborations because you can trace any modifications made to it in a visual format, as well as whose author made those changes. This not only helps you to check if team members are completing their jobs, but it also allows you to spot issues immediately when new code is added.
It’s also worth noting that creating branches for your project is simple. And, more crucially, when they’re finished, you can quickly merge them into the main branch.
Overall, the GitHub Desktop is the ideal client to use if you use GitHub as a code repository.
Also Read: Conversiobot review
2. GitUp
macOS (Macintosh Operating System)
GitUp was designed just for Mac OS X, so if you’re searching for a client that works across several platforms, this isn’t for you. You will not be disappointed, though, if you choose to utilize it despite this flaw.
You can try it without spending any money because it is a free open-source Git GUI.
The ability to Undo and Snapshot changes is the most useful tool GitUp provides. This allows you to remedy mistakes practically instantaneously, which was a pipe dream in the early days of online development.
Another point worth mentioning is the speed with which GitUp operates. It has the ability to load 40,000 commits per second. You won’t have to wait for your environment to materialize, making it simple to switch projects without wasting time.
3. GitKraken
Windows, macOS, and Linux are the operating systems available.
GitKraken is one of the most well-known Git GUIs. This is due to the fact that it is compatible with all three operating systems and, more importantly, provides a fantastic development environment that is also attractive to the eye.
And believe me, if you look at enough of these customers, you’ll notice that the aesthetic quality of the software varies greatly.
So, what is it about the UI that makes it so appealing? This is, without a doubt, its intuitiveness. Even simple activities have been simplified to the point where mistakes can be corrected with a single click. This is all due to its built-in editor.
Users can really drag and drop code parts with this editor. The program is free to use for personal projects, but businesses will have to pay $4.95 per month for the Pro version.
In either case, cost should not be a deterrent to giving it a shot.
Also Read: Prezentar Review
4. SourceTre
Windows and macOS are the two operating systems available.
SourceTree is another well-known Git client that lets you access code stored on GitHub, Bitbucket, Stash, or Microsoft TFS. When you consider that it’s available for both Windows and Mac, you’ve got yourself a really accessible platform that appeals to a large range of people.
Oh, and did I mention it’s completely free? No? That’s true, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so popular.
Its accessibility is one of the main reasons for its popularity. This platform is simple to use for novices while also providing enough depth for veterans to enjoy. It’s even possible to clone remote repositories, which is unusual.
It can also operate with larger Git files, and it makes managing them a breeze. From both the incoming and departing directions, you can simply review all modifications made to a project.
As a result, it’s an excellent choice for larger projects.
5. Tortoise Git
Windows is the most common operating system.
Tortoise Git is another great open-source Git GUI that you should look at. This one was made specifically for Windows, and it uses a Windows shell interface for convenience. This keeps things basic and easy to understand.
It’s also worth noting that this GUI comes with a plethora of language packs, making it ideal for teams located all over the world.
You can drag and drop files into the proper locations with this application, which supports all file types. You’ll also have access to more common activities like repository cloning, branch creation/merging, changelog browsing, and more.
When inputting paths and keywords for files, developers can save time by using the autocomplete option. Overall, this tool excels while working on larger projects, although it is only available for Windows.