How to Install Git on macOS?

Git is an essential tool for developers, enabling seamless version control and collaboration. Installing Git on macOS is a straightforward process, and there are multiple methods to suit your preferences.

This blog will walk you through all the options, step by step, to get Git up and running on your Mac.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure the following:

1. macOS version: Make sure your macOS is updated to a version compatible with the latest Git releases.
2. Administrator privileges: You may need admin rights to install software.

---

Method 1: Install Git via Command Line Tools (Default)

Step 1: Open the Terminal

1. Launch the Terminal application (search for it using Spotlight or find it in the Utilities folder).

Step 2: Check Git Installation

Run the following command to check if Git is already installed:

git --version

Step 3: Install Command Line Tools

If Git is not installed, macOS will prompt you to install the Xcode Command Line Tools.

1. Enter the following command:

   xcode-select --install

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 4: Verify Installation

After the installation is complete, verify it by running:

git --version

You should see the installed Git version displayed.

---

Method 2: Install Git via Homebrew

If you prefer to use Homebrew, a popular macOS package manager, you can install Git with ease.

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if not already installed)

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run the following command to install Homebrew:

   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

3. Follow the instructions displayed on-screen to complete the setup.

Step 2: Install Git Using Homebrew

1. Update Homebrew to ensure you get the latest packages:

   brew update

2. Install Git:

   brew install git

Step 3: Verify Installation

After installation, check the Git version:

git --version

---

Method 3: Download and Install Git Manually

If you prefer not to use Homebrew or Command Line Tools, you can manually download Git from the official website.

Step 1: Download the Git Installer

1. Visit the official Git website: https://git-scm.com/.
2. Click on the “Downloads” section and select macOS.

Step 2: Install Git

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file and follow the installation instructions.
2. During the installation, Git will be added to your system’s PATH.

Step 3: Verify Installation

After the installation is complete, open Terminal and run:

git --version

---

Configuring Git After Installation

Once Git is installed, configure your global user information:

Set Username and Email

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

Verify Configuration

Check your configuration details:

git config --list

Set a Default Text Editor (Optional)

Set your preferred text editor for Git commands, such as Vim, Nano, or Visual Studio Code:

git config --global core.editor "code --wait"

---

Updating Git

To keep Git updated:

• If installed via Homebrew, use:

  brew upgrade git

• If installed manually, revisit the Git website and download the latest version.

---

Testing Git Installation

Clone a Repository

To test Git, try cloning a sample repository:

git clone https://github.com/git/git.git

Navigate to the cloned directory:

cd git

---

Conclusion

Installing Git on macOS is a simple yet crucial step to streamline your version control workflow. Whether you use Command Line Tools, Homebrew, or a manual installation, this guide ensures you can set up Git efficiently. Once installed, configure Git with your user details and you’re ready to start collaborating and managing your projects like a pro.