For developers working in the Windows environment, selecting the ideal Git client can boost your version control experience. Git clients help manage changes more efficiently, track the history of your projects with greater clarity, and facilitate easier collaboration with team members, regardless of their location. It should provide a tangible interface to navigate branches, review changes, and commit code, minimizing the learning curve for new team members and speeding up the development cycle.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top Git clients for Windows 11 users in 2024. We’ll explore their unique features, usability, and how they integrate into the Windows ecosystem, providing you with a clear picture of what each tool offers.
Whether you’re working on a large-scale project with a distributed team or a solo dev looking for an efficient way to handle your repositories, understanding the nuances of these Git clients will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.
What is a Git Client?
A Git client is essentially a graphical user interface (GUI) or command line application that helps you interact with Git repositories. It breaks down complex Git commands into user-friendly interfaces, making version control more accessible to developers of all skill levels.
For Windows users, a Git client should integrate seamlessly with the operating system, supporting native features and conforming to familiar UI patterns. This integration not only enhances productivity but also ensures that developers can leverage Git’s full potential without the need to memorize and execute complex commands manually.
GitKraken Client
GitKraken Client seamlessly blends power with simplicity, making it a go-to choice for Windows developers worldwide. Beyond its intuitive graphical interface, it also offers a robust CLI option for those who prefer command line efficiency, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
The platform also extends its offerings to gitkraken.dev, allowing devs to access GitKraken Client directly from the browser. This means less time jumping between applications and more time focusing on what matters most, wherever you are: your code!
Diving into its unique features, Workspaces allow devs to tailor their environment to specific projects, ensuring immediate access to necessary tools and information. Cloud Patches, utilizing the power of the Git patch, lets you share changes with teammates via a direct link, bypassing some of the pains from the traditional pull requests process and accelerating code reviews.
Focus View, another standout feature, is designed to cut through the noise, providing a distraction-free environment that lets developers zero in on the task at hand, an invaluable asset during intricate development stages. These capabilities transcend mere convenience, reshaping daily interactions with the codebase and setting a new standard for what developers can expect from a Git client.
Check out GitKraken Client’s release notes and explore its unique features in more detail here.
SourceTree
SourceTree’s interface clearly lays out the structure of repositories, making it easier to track changes, branches, and commits. This visual mapping can assist in navigating complex project histories, streamlining the process of understanding and integrating new changes. SourceTree is designed to enhance the Git experience on Windows, offering a user-friendly environment that complements the operating system.
For the most recent details on SourceTree’s features and updates, visit the official SourceTree website and support page.
TortoiseGit
TortoiseGit is known for its deep integration into the Windows shell, offering a unique approach to Git management directly from the file explorer’s context menu. This integration means developers can perform Git operations without leaving the familiar environment of their file system, making version control tasks feel like a natural part of the file management process.
For detailed information on TortoiseGit’s features, including its integration into the Windows shell, browse the TortoiseGit website and About page.
GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop focuses on simplifying the GitHub experience for Windows users, bringing the platform’s collaborative capabilities closer to the desktop. It offers an intuitive interface for managing GitHub repositories, making tasks like cloning, committing, and pushing changes, as well as handling pull requests, more straightforward. This GUI is especially useful for devs relying heavily on GitHub for project management and collaboration, providing a cohesive environment that complements GitHub’s interface.
For more detailed and up-to-date information about GitHub Desktop and its features, check out the GitHub Desktop page.
SmartGit
SmartGit is designed for those who manage multiple repositories, offering a comprehensive feature set that supports both simple and advanced Git operations. Its interface balances simplicity with functionality, catering to both beginners and experienced Git users. SmartGit is a versatile tool that supports various Git hosting platforms, making it a flexible option for developers who work across different ecosystems.
For the latest features and updates, explore more on the SmartGit Blog and the What’s New section on SmartGit’s site.
Fork
Fork is a Git GUI known for its clean interface that doesn’t compromise on powerful features. It offers a refreshing take on Git management, with features designed to make complex operations more approachable. Recent updates, like the new visual style for selections and adding a remote when pushing in a repo without remotes, further enhance its usability for managing Git operations.
For more details, explore Fork’s release notes on their official website.
Tower
Tower stands out for its polished interface and comprehensive set of Git features. It streamlines Git workflows, offering advanced tools like drag-and-drop branch management and interactive rebase in a user-friendly environment. Tower’s focus on efficiency and usability makes it an attractive choice for developers who need a robust Git client that also prioritizes user experience.
For more details, visit Tower’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How to use Git on Windows?
Using Git on Windows begins with understanding the basics of version control and then diving into the specific commands and workflows Git provides. Tools like Git Bash, integrated into Git for Windows, offer a Unix-like command-line environment to run Git commands.
Alternatively, graphical interfaces like GitKraken Client, SourceTree, or any other GUIs mentioned in this article simplify Git operations with a more visual approach. For a deep dive into using Git on Windows, exploring the official Git documentation is a great starting point.
How to install a Git Client on Windows?
Installing a Git client on Windows involves choosing between a command-line tool like Git for Windows or a GUI application such as those mentioned in this article. For the command-line option, download the installer from the Git for Windows site and follow the setup instructions. If you prefer a GUI, visit the official website of any of the clients mentioned above and follow their installation guides.
Where does Git for Windows store credentials?
Git on Windows offers several credential storage methods for HTTP protocols, especially useful for two-factor authentication systems. Options include the cache mode, storing credentials temporarily in memory, and the store mode, keeping credentials in a plain-text file indefinitely. For secure, encrypted storage, Windows users can utilize the Git Credential Manager, integrated with Windows Credential Store, enhancing security and convenience. Learn more about configuring these options in the Git documentation.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right Git client can significantly impact your daily development experience. For Windows users, the choice encompasses not just feature sets but also how well the client integrates with the operating system and enhances the overall workflow.
From GitKraken Client’s tailored features for productivity to SourceTree’s intuitive visualizations and TortoiseGit’s seamless Windows integration, each client offers unique advantages. By understanding these tools’ capabilities and how they align with your development practices, you can choose a Git client that not only meets your technical requirements but also elevates your coding journey!
Разработчикам, несомненно, надо уметь работать с Git и делать это через командную строку. Иногда бывают ситуации, когда просто нет возможности установить на машину альтернативный инструмент с графическим интерфейсом. При этом некоторые задачи удобнее выполнять в специализированных приложениях, и никто не запрещает использовать GUI в собственных проектах.
В этой статье собраны самые популярные графические интерфейсы Git. Есть как бесплатные инструменты с открытым исходным кодом, так и проприетарные решения с дорогими лицензиями. Некоторыми клиентами из статьи я пользовался сам, чтобы в итоге выбрать удобный вариант для своих задач.
GitHub Desktop
Официальный клиент GitHub от разработчиков сервиса. С его помощью можно создавать репозитории, управлять запросами на включение кода, редактировать файлы и сравнивать изменения во встроенном редакторе кода. Для более удобного и быстрого изменения предусмотрена функция быстрого перехода в редактор по умолчанию, который можно выбрать в настройках. Также можно выбрать предпочитаемый терминал из установленных на машине.
Файлы автоматически подтягиваются из директории репозитория, но работает и перетаскивание. В остальном GitHub Desktop довольно минималистичный и предоставляет только базовый набор инструментов для работы с удалёнными репозиториями. В нём нет подробных графиков и визуального отображения истории веток. Также клиент работает только с GitHub, что заметно ограничивает сценарии его использования.
GitHub Desktop разработан на языке TypeScript, с использованием фреймворков React и Electron. Код проекта открыт, поэтому желающие могут дорабатывать его и подстраивать под собственные задачи.
💵 Цена: бесплатно
💻 Платформы: Windows, macOS и неофициальные сборки под Linux
Sourcetree
Sourcetree — ещё один бесплатный Git-клиент, только в этом случае разработан компанией Atlassian, которая также поддерживает проекты Jira, Confluence и Bitbucket. У инструмента всё такой же простой интерфейс, как у GitHub Desktop, но уже с подробной визуализацией истории веток. Поддерживаются все привычные функции работ с Git.
Sourcetree можно использовать с репозиториями Git и Mercurial, что расширяет круг потенциальных пользователей. Также разработчики из Atlassian добавили интеграции с экосистемой Bitbucket и Jira. Поэтому, если в компании используют именно этот стек для планирования и разработки, то пользователям будет удобнее работать сразу с настроенными интеграциями.
Из минусов можно отметить, что Sourcetree достаточно простой и может показаться бесполезным для продвинутых пользователей, привыкших к специализированным инструментам с расширенными возможностями. Также важно отметить, что Sourcetree — проприетарный инструмент, поэтому в Сети нет сборок от сторонних разработчиков. По этой же причине код проекта нельзя модифицировать и дорабатывать. В остальном решение от Atlassian схоже с GitHub Desktop.
💵 Цена: бесплатно
💻 Платформы: Windows и macOS
GitKraken
Один из самых функциональных и продвинутых Git-клиентов от разработчиков популярного расширения GitLence для Visual Studio Code. В Gitkraken большое внимание уделяется дизайну и визуализации. Таким образом, пользователи могут видеть подробную историю коммитов в виде графика, на котором действия каждого участника проекта подсвечиваются своим цветом. Предусмотрены информативные оповещения о конфликтах слияния и интерфейс для их устранения.
Разработчики проекта уверяют, что интерфейс спроектирован таким образом, чтобы в нём могли разобраться даже новички. После опыта использования можно отметить, что в некоторых местах GitKraken может быть нелогичным и нагруженным. Для этих случаев компания предусмотрела утилиту GitKraken CLI, но тогда можно пользоваться и стандартным CLI.
GitKraken поддерживает работу с репозиториями GitHub, GitLab и Bitbucket. Вместе с этим предусмотрена возможность интегрировать популярные CI/CD и трекеры задач, к примеру, Jira или Trello. Также в GitKraken есть возможность создать несколько профилей и переключаться между ними, если с одной машины приходится работать над рабочими и собственными проектами.
Большое внимание в клиенте уделяется совместной работе. К примеру, участников проекта можно разделить на команды: разработчики, тестировщики, дизайнеры, поддержка и так далее. Каждая команда будет видеть важные для себя изменения в репозиториях. Также предусмотрена функция для быстрого онбординга новых членов команды.
GitKraken входит в GitHub Student Developer Pack, что позволяет технических специальностей бесплатно пользоваться полной версией клиента до тех пор, пока они продолжают учёбу.
💵 Цена:
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Free — бесплатный тариф с ограниченными возможностями;
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Pro — полный тариф за 5 долларов в месяц при оплате сразу за год;
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Teams — тариф для команд за 9 долларов в месяц с каждого члена команды;
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Enterprise — тариф для очень больших команд за 19 долларов.
💻 Платформы: Windows, macOS и Linux.
Tower
Tower — ещё один клиент с платной подпиской, разработанный компанией Fournova. Если сравнивать субъективно, то у Tower более приятный и лёгкий интерфейс, поэтому с ним легче работать. К тому же на macOS инструмент выполнен в стандартном для операционной системы дизайне. Это делает взаимодействие с Tower более интуитивным и понятным. В GitKraken, к примеру, некоторое время уходит на изучение кнопок и переключателей в окне инструмента.
В Tower также есть детализированная визуализация истории коммитов для каждой отдельной ветки. Можно просматривать все данные коммита, включая профиль пользователя, который его выполнил. Кроме этого предусмотрен детализированный режим решения конфликтов слияния. Благодаря ему разработчик может быстрее оценить ситуацию и принять решение.
Fournova большое внимание уделяет образовательной части. Поэтому на сайте можно найти много обучающих материалов по изучению Git, веб-разработки и самого Tower. Все уроки полностью бесплатные и доступны как в виде онлайн-книг, так и в виде коротких роликов. При необходимости можно скачать с сайта шпаргалки по работе с VS Code, Xcode, Tower, Git, командной строкой и другими инструментами.
Tower также входит в программу GitHub Student Developer Pack, что позволяет студентам технических направлений пользоваться премиальной версией клиента до тех пор, пока они продолжают обучение. Сборки для Linux нет, а код инструмента закрыт.
💵 Цена:
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Basic — 69 долларов в год;
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Pro — 99 долларов в год;
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Enterprise — тариф для компаний, цена обговаривается в частном порядке.
💻 Платформы: Windows и macOS.
Working Copy
Полноценный и рабочий Git-клиент для мобильных устройств под управлением iOS и iPadOS. Поддерживается работа с удалёнными репозиториями на базе GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket и Gitea. Сами репозитории можно клонировать на мобильное устройство, изменять в Working Copy или сторонних редакторах кода. Клонированные репозитории доступны для редактирования без Интернета, поэтому над проектами можно работать в дороге.
Working Copy поддерживает нативные функции экосистемы Apple. К примеру, можно создавать и использовать сценарии автоматизации с помощью приложения Shortcuts. Если к коммиту сложно придумать описание, то это может сделать нейросеть.
В остальном Working Copy поддерживает основные функции Git, включая интерфейс решения конфликтов слияний. Расширенных функций в виде визуализации и аналитики нет, но само наличие Git-клиента на iOS можно считать небольшим чудом.
Учитывая все возможности Working Copy, инструмент всё равно сложно использовать для полноценной разработки и поддержки больших проектов. Для этих целей удобно использовать привычные машины, а не планшет или, тем более, смартфон. При этом инструмент может быть полезен для быстрого редактирования или исправления ошибок. Для случаев, когда не надо переписывать большие фрагменты кода.
Студенты могут бесплатно пользоваться полной версией Working Copy бесплатно, благодаря программе GitHub Student Developer Pack. В российском AppStore приложение сейчас недоступно, для установки необходима смена региона.
💵 Цена: 7 долларов в месяц;
💻 Платформы: iOS и iPadOS.
Fork
Fork — ещё один минималистичный Git-клиент с пользовательским интерфейсом, сочетающий в себе скорость работы и минималистичный дизайн. В macOS элементы интерфейса пытаются быть похожими на нативные, но немного отличаются. Это всё равно не должно помешать быстро разобраться и начать работать.
Важно отметить, что проект Fork развивается силой семьи разработчиков, которые вкладывают в него своё свободное время. По этой причине новые функции могут появляться не так часто. Тем не менее, заявлена полная поддержка всех основных возможностей Git. Разработчики начали проект, желая создать простой и удобный клиент для ежедневного использования. После Fork начали использовать друзья разработчиков и советовать своим друзьям.
Из дополнительных можно отметить функцию Image Diffs, которая показывает историю изменений изображений, чтобы наглядно было видно, что именно поменялось с последнего коммита. Режим будет полезен в тех случаях, когда репозиторий адаптировали и используют для работы дизайнеров.
Также есть поддержка системных уведомлений, которые сообщают об изменениях в репозиториях. Можно открывать несколько репозиториев в разных вкладках и переключаться между ними, что позволяет работать над несколькими проектами в одном окне клиента.
Fork активно обновляется, несмотря на небольшую команду проекта. Обновления исправно выходят каждый месяц. Также на сайте Fork есть блог с обучающими статьями, посвящёнными работе с клиентом, но статьи не публиковались с августа 2020 года. Вероятно, сил маленькой команды не хватает на всё сразу.
Из минусов можно отметить, что у Fork нет интеграций с популярными сервисами для отслеживания задач, а также нет привычных инструментов из более продвинутых клиентов.
💵 Цена: 50 долларов единовременно;
💻 Платформы: Windows и macOS.
SmartGit
SmarGit на профильных веб-сайтах называют самым популярным кроссплатформенным Git-клиентом. Инструмент доступен по подписке для Windows, macOS и Linux. Отчасти популярность SmartGit обусловлена тем, что инструмент поддерживает работу не только с Git, но и со SVN.
Пользователям доступны функции управления репозиториями, редактирования кода, разрешения конфликтов слияния и работа через SSH. В SmartGit, как и во многих других клиентах, доступно перетаскивание файлов и веток, что ускоряет работу и делает её более интуитивной.
Из минусов пользователи отмечают отсутствие интеграций с популярными трекерами задач и поддержки привычных функций из других клиентов. Также имеющиеся функции не всегда интуитивны и для их понимания надо обращаться к документации. Вместе с этим обращают внимание на сравнительно высокий порог входа, не такой высокий, как в CLI-клиентах, но выше, чем в более красивых. Новичкам это может создавать дополнительные трудности при освоении.
💵 Цена: 182 доллара при единовременной оплате лицензии с трёхлетней поддержкой или 59 долларов ежегодно при выборе подписки;
💻 Платформы: Windows, macOS и Linux.
Gitnuro
Gitnuro — бесплатный и кроссплатформенный Git-клиент с графическим интерфейсом. Авторы проекта отмечают в репозитории, что хотели разработать открытый инструмент, который был бы полностью бесплатным, а отсутствие подписки не ограничивало бы пользователей в возможностях.
Клиент пока ещё находится на стадии разработки, но уже сейчас поддерживает все основные инструменты для работы с Git-репозиториями. Также в Githuro нет многих модных фич из больших платных клиентов. Есть поддержка визуализации истории веток, но не более этого. Интеграции со сторонними сервисами не поддерживаются и маловероятно, что когда-нибудь будут.
Главный плюс Gitnuro заключается в его открытости. Клиентом можно пользоваться бесплатно, а открытый исходный код позволяет изменять и подстраивать Githuro под собственные задачи, решая проблемы, которые оставили разработчики проекта. Открытый код есть, к примеру, и у GitHub Desktop, но у него изначально меньше возможностей, чем у Gitnuro.
💵 Цена: бесплатно;
💻 Платформы: Windows, macOS и Linux.
Только зарегистрированные пользователи могут участвовать в опросе. Войдите, пожалуйста.
Каким GUI для Git пользуетесь чаще всего?
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Git is the powerhouse of modern software development, but sometimes the command line can feel like a cryptic puzzle box 🔒. If you’re looking for something simpler, faster, and more visually appealing, Git GUI clients are here to help! These tools will save you time, reduce mistakes, and give you the power to manage your code with ease. Ready to level up? Let’s dive into the Top 10 Git GUI Clients every developer should know about.
🏆 1. GitHub Desktop: The King of Simplicity 👑
GitHub Desktop is perfect for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use Git GUI without the headache of the terminal. If you live on GitHub, this is your best friend. It’s simple, clean, and it gets the job done.
🔑 Key Features:
Easy clone and commit management
Automatic sync with GitHub repositories
Conflict resolution made super simple
🔥 Best for: Beginners and GitHub users who want simplicity.
⚡ 2. Sourcetree: The Power Player ⚡
If you want something with a bit more complexity but still a user-friendly interface, Sourcetree is your go-to tool. Offering a full suite of Git features, it’s perfect for developers who want more control over their workflows without diving into the command line.
🔑 Key Features:
Advanced Git flow integration
Beautiful visualizations of commit history
Supports Git and Mercurial
🔥 Best for: Developers who need advanced features but want a GUI.
🎮 3. GitKraken: The Visual Mastermind 🧠
GitKraken is not just another Git client – it’s a visual powerhouse. With its interactive commit graph and sleek interface, you’ll never see Git the same way again. GitKraken is packed with features that make it one of the most loved Git clients on the market.
🔑 Key Features:
Interactive commit graph that makes history fun
Built-in issue tracking and project management tools
Git LFS support
🔥 Best for: Developers who want a beautiful, feature-rich experience.
💎 4. Git Extensions: The Customizer’s Dream 🔧
For developers who want to truly customize their Git experience, Git Extensions is the tool to go to. It gives you full access to Git commands but wrapped in a graphical interface that feels intuitive and flexible.
🔑 Key Features:
Full command support
Deep customization options
Git history and branching visualizations
🔥 Best for: Advanced users who want full control over their Git environment.
⚙️ 5. TortoiseGit: The Classic Windows Tool 💻
TortoiseGit is a no-nonsense, lightweight Git client for Windows. It integrates directly into your Windows Explorer, so managing your repositories is as easy as right-clicking on a folder. If you want something that works seamlessly on Windows, this is it.
🔑 Key Features:
Right-click menu for Git operations
Lightweight and fast
Simple yet effective Git management
🔥 Best for: Windows users who want something fast and simple.
🚀 6. SmartGit: The All-Rounder 🌍
SmartGit is a well-rounded Git GUI that combines powerful features with an intuitive interface. It supports Git, Mercurial, and Subversion, making it perfect for developers working with multiple version control systems. It’s versatile and reliable.
🔑 Key Features:
Git, Mercurial, and Subversion support
Customizable interface
Integrated SSH and GitHub support
🔥 Best for: Developers who need a multi-platform version control system.
🌟 7. Git Cola: The Lightweight Champion 🥇
Git Cola is one of the lightest and fastest Git clients you can find. It’s not packed with tons of extra features, but it’s perfect for developers who want a simple and no-frills experience. Speed and efficiency are its strong points.
🔑 Key Features:
Fast and lightweight
Minimalistic design
Basic but powerful Git features
🔥 Best for: Developers who want a no-frills, lightweight Git GUI.
🔥 8. Tower: The Premium Git Experience 💼
Tower is a premium Git client that’s packed with all the features you need to work with Git like a pro. Whether you’re working on large teams or solo, Tower offers an elegant solution for Git management. It’s known for its reliability and top-tier features.
🔑 Key Features:
Advanced Git functionality with a sleek interface
Cherry-pick and stash management
File history and conflict resolution tools
🔥 Best for: Professionals who need an elegant, full-featured Git client.
⚡ 9. GitHub Desktop for Windows: The GitHub-Specific Tool 💻
If you’re using GitHub exclusively and want a client that’s tightly integrated with it, GitHub Desktop for Windows is your answer. It provides easy access to all your repositories, making it the perfect tool for GitHub fans.
🔑 Key Features:
Quick access to your GitHub repositories
Simplified workflow and commit process
Conflict resolution with a single click
🔥 Best for: Developers working specifically with GitHub.
💡 10. UnGit: The Simple, Web-Based Tool 🌐
UnGit is a web-based Git GUI that’s both simple and powerful. It’s a great choice if you don’t want to download an application and need something accessible via your browser. Perfect for quick fixes and managing Git on-the-go.
🔑 Key Features:
Simple, web-based interface
Visual commit history and diff viewer
No installation required
🔥 Best for: Developers who want quick and easy access to Git via their browser.
Why Use a Git GUI? 🤔
While the command line gives you full control, it can be intimidating for some. Git GUI clients simplify the process, offering a visual approach to managing your repositories. Whether you’re merging branches, resolving conflicts, or simply tracking changes, a Git GUI client can be a total game-changer
💬 Let’s Talk: Which Git GUI Client Do You Swear By?
Alright, now it’s your turn! 💥 What’s your favorite Git GUI client? Do you swear by GitKraken, prefer the simplicity of GitHub Desktop, or have another tool that gives you the edge? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation rolling! 👇
Git is a free, open-source distributed version control system designed to manage any size project, from minimal to extremely large.
Linus Torvalds, the founder of Linux, designed it in 2005. Developers frequently use git to collaborate on projects, manage codebases, track changes, and keep multiple versions of files.
Developers can work with this version control system in a visual mode thanks to the git graphical user interface clients. Git GUI clients offer users a handy graphical interface with built-in settings, eliminating the need for manual command writing.
With a git graphical user interface client, tasks can be completed more quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll explore the best git graphic user interface clients for Linux, Mac, and Windows, highlighting their distinguishing features to assist you in selecting the best option for your daily tasks and projects.
1. GitKraken Client
GitKraken is a git client designed to streamline version control for teams and software enthusiasts. It offers a graphical interface, streamlining the management of commits, merges, branches, and git repositories.
GitKraken Client packs the following features out of the box:
- It offers insights to assist you in gauging and enhancing the productivity and velocity of your team.
- It seamlessly integrates with numerous renowned programs and services, including Bitbucket, GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Slack.
- It streamlines the organization and retrieval of your work by supporting workspaces, profiles, and command palettes.
- It features a robust terminal that provides autocomplete recommendations for Git commands.
- Its incredibly user-friendly GUI makes managing and visualizing your Git projects simpler.
- It assists you in resolving conflicts and carrying out difficult tasks with its interactive rebase editor, merge tool, and customizable diff view.
GitKraken enhances the Git experience by supporting team collaboration, offering visual commit history and branching, and integrating easily with popular project management tools.
GitKraken is a popular choice among developers and teams because of its intuitive visual depiction of git repositories, which facilitates collaboration on software projects and makes difficult git processes easier to understand.
2. Gitg
Gitg is a free, open-source Git client that is part of the GNOME project. It is designed to be a compact, fast, and easy-to-use application for managing your work and viewing the history of git repositories.
Multiple branches, staging area, commit editing, cherry-picking, and rebasing are among the features that are supported. In addition, It is compatible with SVN and CVS version control systems.
Key Features of Gitg:
- User-friendly and GNOME-style interface for seamless integration.
- In-depth visibility into commit history and code alterations.
- Essential Git functions, including branching and merging.
- Tight integration with the GNOME environment for a harmonious and unified experience.
3. GitForce
GitForce is a cross-platform graphical user interface for the git command line tool. It is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.
GiForce uses the .NET 3.5 framework and is written in C#.
GitForce provides several functionalities, including:
- Drag and drop is supported for the majority of operations.
- It enables you to manage numerous workspaces, remote servers, and repositories.
- Both HTTPS authentication and an integrated SSH client are supported.
- It allows you to customize your tools and integrate them with a variety of diff and merge programs.
The primary goal of GitForce is to provide an effective visual front end to the majority of common operations.
4. QGit
QGit is a visual front-end git client that you can use to graphically track several development branches, examine patch contents, modify files, and browse revision history.
Key features include:
- It allows you to view the archive tree, diffs, file history, file annotations, and revisions.
- You can visually commit changes by selecting modified files.
- Connect scripts, command sequences, and other executables to a custom action. A terminal window can be used to capture the output of actions that are executed from the menu.
- For the most commonly used StGIT commands, such as push/pop and apply/save patches, QGit provides a graphical user interface.
- By cherry-picking individual updated files, you can use the same semantics as a git commit to make new patches.
5. SmartGit
More than 100,000 developers worldwide support SmartGit, an all-in-one graphical user interface. With SmartGit, you can handle pull requests and review comments.
It also provides seamless integrations with online platforms such as GitHub, BitBucket, and GitLab.
There is no need to set up or install any other software because SmartGit has everything you require.
- Simple File Compare
- Strong file Merge (editable Conflict Solver at no cost)
- Git-Flow (managing high-level branches)
- Graphical merger and commit History packaged
In addition, SmartGit allows you to adapt your workflow and needs. It can be customized using the following parameters.
- Toolbars.
- Light and dark themes.
- Syntax coloring.
- Keyboard shortcuts.
- Layout of certain views.
- Preferences for Merging and Rebasing.
- External tools.
6. Sourcetree
Sourcetree is a free git client that streamlines work on git repositories. It provides an intuitive and robust interface for both beginners and experts.
Sourcetree supports the following functionalities:
- Sourcetree allows you to switch between git and mercurial repositories simply.
- With its easy-to-use interface, you can search for and clone remote repositories.
- It allows you to Search for commits, file changes, and branches.
- The management of projects, their dependencies, and other project groupings is made simpler thanks to submodules.
7. TortoiseGit
TortoiseGit is a free and open-source Windows Shell interface for git and is based on TortoiseSVN.
TortoiseGit helps you get started with basic tasks such as committing, diffing two versions, displaying logs, generating branches and tags, patch creation, and more.
TortoiseGit comes with several handy features, including:
- Shell Integration: TortoiseGit seamlessly integrates with Windows Explorer. With its icon overlays, you can view the current state of your files and execute any git command from the context menu of the Explorer.
- Robust Commit Dialog: It has a comprehensive commit dialog that lets you format text, enter log messages, verify spelling, and auto-complete keywords and paths.
- Handy Tools: TortoiseGit provides several tools, such as TortoiseGitBlame, TortoiseGitIDiff, and TortoiseGitLog, which can assist you in exploring and visualizing the git history.
- Integration with Issue-Tracking Systems: TortoiseGit provides an adaptable method for integrating any web-based bug-tracking system.
In addition, TortoiseGit allows you to manage branches and tags, generate and apply patches, and carry out other activities in your repository.
8. Git Cola
Git Cola is a robust git client that offers an intuitive interface for interacting with git repositories. With Git Cola, you can view branches, commit history, commit, manage remotes, and carry out other Git tasks.
Git Cola packs the following features:
- It provides a side-by-side diff viewer, allowing users to compare changes made to files between various commits or branches.
- It allows you to push, pull, and fetch changes from distant branches while managing repositories remotely.
- Git Cola allows you to customize the user interface to fit your unique workflows with a variety of settings and preferences.
9. Magit
Magit is a robust git interface for Emacs that provides an extensive feature set and the ability to optimize git operations within the Emacs text editor.
With Magit, you carry out a variety of git activities, including branching, merging, committing, and others.
Within the Emacs environment, users can manage complex histories, resolve conflicts, and do interactive rebases and merges. In addition, Magit gives an in-depth overview of all repository statuses, including untracked files, staged changes, and unstaged changes.
You’ll become a more proficient version control user after using Magit for a while. It appears that most users and developers of previous Git clients believed some functionality could not be properly transferred to a non-command-line interface, yet Magit supports and simplifies the use of Git features.
10. GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop is a graphical user interface for Git that is easy to use and is optimized to work with GitHub repositories. In addition, it offers a simplified approach for working together on projects, managing version control, and interacting with repositories hosted on the platform.
GitHub Desktop allows you to view all open pull requests for your repositories and examine them just like local branches, regardless of whether they are from forks or upstream branches.
GitHub Desktop also allows syntax highlighting to be shown when examining diffs for a diversity of languages and makes it simple to compare modified images.
With extensive editor and shell integrations, you can launch your preferred editor or shell directly from within GitHub Desktop.
11. GitBlade
GitBlade is a cross-platform graphical user interface for Git. It comes with a PRO edition that offers more sophisticated capabilities and a free Lite version that includes basic features.
Among GitBlade’s features are:
- Merge Tool: It contains a visual tool that makes it simple to assess and address merge issues.
- Blame Tool: You can view the history of a file and track the changes made to each line over time, including who changed it, when, and why.
- Combined Diffs: It allows you to view a combined diff between various commits.
- Visual Graph: It contains a visual graph that illustrates the relationships between various commits and branches.
- Stage Hunks: It allows you to stage delete or revert a portion of a file instead of everything.
12. Sublime Merge
The same developers who designed the renowned Sublime Text editor also created Sublime Merge. It provides a robust and elegant interface for version control operations and Git repository management.
Sublime Merge packs the following features out of the box:
- With line-by-line and hunk staging, you can commit precisely what you want. In addition, you can use one or more lines to divide chunks into different modifications.
- A robust commit dialog allows you to modify your commits, rebase your branches, and update your commit statements.
- Syntax highlighting is available for several languages, allowing you to view the modifications you made to your files.
- Using various modes, including swipe, fade, or highlight, you can compare altered images.
- Sublime Merge also allows you to manage your submodules and customize the look and feel with extensive themes.
13. Tower
Tower is a cross-platform git client tailored to provide a robust yet intuitive interface for managing git repositories. Developers and teams use Tower frequently because it offers an extensive feature set of capabilities that makes version control tasks easier.
Key features of Tower include:
- To carry out operations swiftly, you can drag and drop files, branches, and commits.
- Any Git activity, including adding, committing, pushing, pulling, and more, can be undone.
- Tower contains a visual tool that can assist in selecting the appropriate version, which can be used to resolve merge conflicts.
- You can view a file’s whole history, including who made changes, when they were made, and why.
- From GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, you can create, merge, comment, close, and investigate pull requests directly in Tower.
14. Fork
Fork is a cross-platform git client designed by a family of software developers. It provides an intuitive interface with features and capabilities that simplify version management tasks.
Fork supports the following functionalities:
- Visual Branching: Fork makes it easier to view and handle branches, which helps you better comprehend the structure of your repository.
- Side-by-Side Diffs: A side-by-side diff view allows users to easily review changes by comparing changes between different versions of the same file.
- Merge and Pull Requests: This feature streamlines collaboration by allowing you to make, evaluate, and combine pull requests from within the application.
- Stash and Cherry-Pick: This feature enables users to cherry-pick particular commits into distinct branches and stash changes.
- Commit History: Fork offers a transparent view of the history of commits, together with comprehensive details on the modifications made in each commit.
15. GitFox
GitFox is a git client designed to provide users with a special collection of capabilities while being lightweight, quick, and robust.
GitFox has several features including:
- Quick Navigation: A sidebar and keyboard shortcuts let you quickly browse through your Git history, branches, tags, and stashes.
- Automated Project Linking: From within GitFox, you can link your Git projects to online platforms such as GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket to utilize their functionality.
- Image Diff: Various modes, including swipe, fade, and highlight, can be used to compare modified images.
- Multiple Identities: It’s simple to manage and switch between numerous Git identities.
- Advanced Search: Using a robust search engine that supports operators and filters, you can search for commits, files, branches, and tags.
Conclusion
Git has become a necessity when it boils down to managing collaborative development projects. It does have a steep learning curve; that’s why developers have developed git graphical user interface clients for a range of platforms to streamline the process of version control management.
We hope this article has helped you select the best Git client for your projects and needs. Feel free to share any thoughts or queries you may have in the comments section below.
Git comes with built-in GUI tools for committing (git-gui) and browsing (gitk), but there are several third-party tools for users looking for platform-specific experience.
If you want to add another GUI tool to this list, just follow the instructions.
All
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
iOS
0
Linux
GUIs are shown below ↓
-
GitHub Desktop
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
SourceTree
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
TortoiseGit
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
Git Extensions
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
GitKraken Desktop
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free / $48+/user annually
License: Proprietary -
Magit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
SmartGit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free for non-commercial use / $59/user annually
License: Proprietary -
Tower
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: $69+/user annually (Free 30-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
MeGit (based on EGit)
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: EPL2.0 -
Sublime Merge
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: $99/user / $75/user annually (Free evaluation)
License: Proprietary -
GitUp
Platforms: Mac
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
Fork
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: $59.99 (Free evaluation)
License: Proprietary -
Glint
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free / $35/user annually
License: Proprietary -
gitg
Platforms: Linux, Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
ungit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
Fugitive
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Vim -
GitAhead (no longer under active development)
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
LazyGit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
tig
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: GPL-2.0 -
Guitar
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
Anchorpoint
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: Free / 20€
License: Proprietary -
Working Copy
Platforms: iOS
Price: Free / $19.99
License: Proprietary -
Gitfox
Platforms: Mac
Price: €39,99/user annually / €79,99 (Free 30-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
git-cola
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
GitUI
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free, but donations welcome
License: MIT -
giggle
Platforms: Linux
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
Aurees (no longer under active development)
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
SnailGit
Platforms: Mac
Price: Free (limited) / $9.99
License: Proprietary -
RepoZ
Platforms: Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
Cong
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
GitDrive
Platforms: iOS
Price: Free / $6.99
License: Proprietary -
GitFiend
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
GitAtomic
Platforms: Windows
Price: $17.99+/user annually (Free 30-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
NitroGit
Platforms: Windows
Price: Free for non-commercial use / 20€/user
License: Proprietary -
GitFinder
Platforms: Mac
Price: Free (limited) / $29.95 (Free 30-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
Vershd
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free for non-commercial use / $37/user annually
License: Proprietary -
GitVine
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
PolyGit
Platforms: iOS
Price: Free (limited) / $11.99/year / $39.99
License: Proprietary -
Gitgui
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
Gittyup
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
Git Klient
Platforms: Linux
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
GitViewer
Platforms: iOS, Mac
Price: Free / $6.99 (Free 7-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
CommandGit
Platforms: Windows
Price: $5.99/MO (Free 14-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
gitonic
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: AGPL-3.0-or-later -
Gitnuro
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: GNU GPL -
GitBreeze
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: Proprietary -
Pragma-git
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
GitKraken CLI
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free / $48.00+/user annually
License: Proprietary -
SourceGit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: MIT -
RelaGit
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
Price: Free
License: LGPL-3.0-or-later -
Puppy Git
Platforms: Android
Price: Free
License: GPLv3 -
Retcon
Platforms: Mac
Price: $49.99/user annually (Free 14-day trial)
License: Proprietary -
Tempo
Platforms: Mac
Price: Free
License: MIT
There are other great GUI tools available as well. Have a look at the list of interfaces, frontends and tools in the Git Wiki.