GitHub Desktop is a Windows application that serves as a client for the popular open-source software forge, GitHub. It provides an intuitive interface, designed with the Windows 8 metro style, and offers a range of expected features. With simple drag-and-drop functionality, you can perform tasks effortlessly, such as creating repositories without relying on commands.
GitHub is a thriving platform with millions of users and repositories, forming a global network of developers. Accessing it through the desktop app enhances the developer experience, working with one of the most significant platforms in the industry.
GitHub Desktop seamlessly integrates with GitHub and GitHub Enterprise, enabling developers to synchronize branches, clone repositories, and contribute to projects. It supports essential functions like pull requests, merge buttons, fork queues, issues, pages, and wikis, simplifying collaboration and code sharing.
The app facilitates project management by listing all your ongoing projects in the sidebar. You can create new repositories or clone existing ones directly from GitHub.com. Branching is made easy, allowing you to propose changes, review code, and create or switch between branches effortlessly.
Crafting the perfect commit is streamlined with a visual diff of your changes, enabling you to select specific files or lines. Enter the summary and description, and commit your changes seamlessly. Synchronizing branches becomes a single operation, as the sync button pushes your changes and pulls down updates from others.
GitHub Desktop also simplifies repository cloning with a single click, automatically associating repositories with your organizations. If you wish to pull down a repository from GitHub.com, a dedicated button on the website makes it convenient.
Is there a desktop app for GitHub?
This is it. Download the GitHub Desktop app and install it on your PC/Mac.
What are the best GitHub Desktop alternatives?
SourceTree offers Windows and macOS applications just like GitHub Desktop but GitKraken and SmartGit are also compatible with Linux, which GitHub Desktop is not.
Is GitHub Desktop compatible with Windows 7?
Yes, you can install GitHub Desktop on supported operating systems, which currently include macOS Sierra 10.12 or later, and Windows 7 64-bit or later.
Features
- Start a project: You’ll find all the projects you’re working on listed in the sidebar. If you’re starting a new project, use the repository drop-down menu to create a new repository or clone an existing one directly from GitHub.com.
- Branch off: Branches are essential to proposing changes and reviewing code on GitHub—and they’re always available in the top left corner of the repository view. Just select the current branch to switch branches or create a new one.
- Craft the perfect commit: View a diff of your uncommitted changes, and form the perfect commit by selecting the files—or even the specific lines—that make up a change. Enter the summary and description, then commit.
- See your history: Visualize your changes and commits in the comparison graph. You can select commits on the graph to navigate through the history of your local branches.
- Create a pull request: Once you’re happy with your commits, you can open a pull request for review and discussion without leaving the GitHub Desktop or touching the command line.
- Merge and deploy: Browse commits on local and remote branches to quickly and see what changes still need to be merged. You can also merge your code to the master branch for deployment right from the app.
