Need to keep a clear history of code changes, test an idea on its own branch, or share work with a team? Git for Windows brings Git repositories to Windows with command-line and graphical tools for tracking and coordinating development.
How do commits and branches organize changes?
A Git repository records project history as commits: saved snapshots that can be compared with earlier work or used as a starting point for later changes. Before committing, developers select which edits to include, making it possible to group related changes together.
Branches provide separate lines of development within the repository. A developer can work on a feature or experiment on a branch, then merge its changes into another branch when ready. For team projects, Git’s push and pull operations exchange commits with a shared remote repository, so contributors can publish their work and bring in changes made by others.
Git Bash and Git GUI
Git Bash supplies a Bash command-line environment for running Git commands. It suits workflows built around terminal commands and offers a familiar shell for people who also work in Linux or Unix environments.
Git GUI presents Git operations through a graphical interface. Its visual diff tools show how files differ across changes, while repository views support common tasks such as reviewing edits and creating commits.
- Choose Git Bash for command-based workflows and shell use.
- Choose Git GUI to inspect changes visually and carry out many Git operations through menus.
Explorer access and saved credentials
Windows Explorer adds a folder context menu for opening Git Bash or Git GUI at a project location. This provides a direct route from a repository folder to the tool that fits the task.
Git Credential Manager securely stores authentication credentials for services such as GitHub and Azure Repos, along with other Git hosting services. Once configured, it handles credential storage and authentication when Git connects to those services.
Pros
- Git Bash provides a command-line environment for Git
- Git GUI includes visual diff tools and graphical Git operations
- Explorer context menus open Git Bash or Git GUI in a folder
- Git Credential Manager stores credentials for GitHub, Azure Repos, and other hosts
Cons
- Git GUI does not provide a graphical counterpart for every command-line function
System requirements: Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only
Can Git for Windows be used without typing Git commands?
Yes. Git GUI offers graphical access to many Git operations and includes visual diff tools.
What is Git Bash used for?
Git Bash provides a Bash command-line environment for running Git commands.
How does Git Credential Manager fit into Git workflows?
It securely stores credentials and supports authentication to GitHub, Azure Repos, and other Git hosting services.