Introduction
An operating system, like Windows, Mac, or Linux, controls the workings of your computer. It tells all the different programs, like Git, how to work and helps them play nicely together.
Now, Git is like a superhero for your files. It keeps track of changes so that you can always go back to an older version if something goes wrong. It’s like having a time machine for your work! Plus, it lets lots of people work on the same project without stepping on each other’s toes.
Each operating system has its way of upgrading the Git version, kind of like how different bosses have different rules for how to get things done. But keeping Git up to date is important because it means you get all the new features, fixes for problems, and better security.
In this article, you’ll learn how to Update Git on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Also, you will learn the process of checking the Git version.
How to Check Your Current Git Version?
When you check the version of Git, you tend to take advantage of compatibility, troubleshooting, and documentation. In every sense, it is important to check the version to update Git on Windows and other operating systems eventually.
Check the Git version on Linux and Mac
Open the terminal through applications or the shortcut keys Ctrl+Alt+T for Linux. When you want to open the terminal on MacOS, go to the applications folder under utilities or open the terminal through a spotlight search. Next, type the command “git–version” in the terminal and press enter. This version will be available on your screen. Once you have checked the version, you can easily update Git on Mac or Linux.
Check the Git version on Windows
Go to the start menu and search for the command prompt, or simply press the Windows key + R and write cmd to open the command prompt. Now, all you need to do is type “git–version” in the command prompt to check the version. The result of the version check command will be like the one below.
How to Update Git?
The newest version ensures that any advice or solutions you get from the community or online resources match the capabilities of your Git version. These updates often fix bugs and resolve issues that were present in older versions. Additionally, new features can make collaboration easier, simplify workflows, or provide better tooling for managing your code. Update Git on Linux and other operating systems.
Update Git on Linux
Ubuntu/Debian-based Systems
We will use the “apt” method to upgrade the git version on Linux. The term ‘apt’ is short for “Advanced Package Tool.” It is a command-line utility that is commonly used in Debian-based Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, to manage software packages. This tool streamlines the process of installing, updating, and removing software on your system. It connects to online repositories where software packages are stored, making it easy for users to download and install applications or updates. Let’s check out the example below.
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and typing “sudo apt update” in the terminal to update the package list.
Now, use the following command to get the latest git version for your operating system.
Once the version is updated, you can simply check it by using the command “git–version.”
Update Git on Windows
The present version of Git determines the future process when you try to update Git for Windows. To update your Git version, follow these steps based on the version you currently have:
– If you’re using Git Version 2.14.1 or older, start by uninstalling the current version. Then, visit the official Git website to download and install the latest version. Use the following command in the prompt to uninstall the older version.
– If you have Git versions 2.14.2 to 2.16.1, open the Command Prompt and run the command “Git update.”
– If you have Git Version 2.16.1 or later, open the Command Prompt and run the command “Git update-git-for-windows”.
Update Git on Mac
One of the most popular package managers for MacOS is “Homebrew” or “Brew.” If your present version is installed using the brew command, then you can follow the below steps to attain a Git update on Mac.
- Launch the terminal through the applications folder inside utilities.
- Now, you need to type the “brew update” command in the terminal to update the package list. Next, you will use the updated package list to upgrade Git on Mac. Look at the below syntax.
- Once the upgrade is done, you can check the version with the “git–version” command.
Also Read: How to Check CentOS Version?
Conclusion
Using the right operating system and the latest version of Git on Windows or any other operating system is essential for an efficient development process. Each OS has its own method for updating Git, but updating it will ensure that you have access to the newest and best features. This will enhance your teamwork and file-saving capabilities. Checking the version of Git you are using is critical to ensure that you are using the correct features, are up-to-date with the latest improvements, and can troubleshoot any problems effectively.
