Install Git

Owned by Computer Science Department
Nov 16, 2023
2 min read

Check to see if you already have Git

  1. Open the terminal or command prompt and type:

git --version

 

 

https://git-scm.com/downloads

Windows Users should download and install GitBASH

 

Git Bash is an application for Microsoft Windows environments which provides an emulation layer for a Git command line experience. Bash is an acronym for Bourne Again Shell, a reference to the Bourne shell it replaces and the fact that it is a "rebirth" of the Bourne shell with additional functionality. Git Bash combines Git command line tools with the Bash shell to provide a robust environment for developers who prefer using Git from the command line in a Unix-style environment.

Here are some key points about Git Bash:

  1. Unix-style Terminal: Git Bash provides a terminal emulation that behaves much like a Unix terminal. Windows users can use Unix command line utilities alongside Git commands, which is particularly useful for those who are accustomed to a Unix-based system.

  2. Git Integration: It comes bundled with the necessary Git binaries, so it provides a ready-to-use Git environment for Windows users without the need to install and configure Git separately.

  3. Shell Scripting: Users can write shell scripts to automate Git commands and other Unix-style shell commands, which can be a powerful way to streamline workflow.

  4. Compatibility: Git Bash allows Windows users to execute scripts and commands that are commonly used in Linux environments. This is particularly useful in teams where members are using different operating systems.

  5. Installation: Git Bash is typically installed when you install Git on Windows. During the installation process, you can choose to use Git from both the Windows Command Prompt and from Bash.

  6. Mingw-w64: Under the hood, Git Bash uses Mingw-w64, which is an open-source project that provides a development and runtime environment for a complete GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) suite, which is necessary to compile and run Unix-based applications on Windows.

In summary, Git Bash is a Windows application that emulates a Git command line experience with Unix command line utilities, providing a comfortable environment for developers who are used to Unix-like systems or who want to use Git in the command line.