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How to Install GitHub Desktop on Windows and Mac
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
GitHub DesktopInstallationWindowsMacSoftwareSetupToolsApplicationsConfigurationBeginners
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GitHub Desktop is a very popular application that makes it easier for people to use Git and GitHub's version control features on their computers. Whether you're coding a new project or collaborating with a team, GitHub Desktop provides a user-friendly interface to manage your code more efficiently. This guide explains how to install GitHub Desktop on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Introduction to GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop is an open-source tool that comes with a graphical interface for interacting with GitHub repositories. Using GitHub Desktop, you don't need to rely solely on command-line instructions to manage your repositories. It allows you to clone repositories, make changes, and keep everything in sync, all from an easy-to-understand interface. Additionally, GitHub Desktop is great for reviewing changes to your project and collaborating with other developers, helping you increase productivity and manage projects without the complexity of command-line operations.
Launch
Before proceeding with the installation, make sure that your system meets the requirements to install GitHub Desktop. For both Windows and Mac, you must have an active internet connection to download the software.
Installing GitHub Desktop on Windows
Step 1: Visit the GitHub Desktop website
Start by opening your web browser. Visit the official GitHub Desktop download page at https://desktop.github.com. This page contains the latest version of GitHub Desktop for all operating systems.
Step 2: Download the Installer
On the website, you will see a prominent download button that automatically detects your operating system. For Windows users, click the download button to get the GitHubDesktopSetup.exe file. Once you click, the file will start downloading automatically; save it to a convenient location on your computer.
Step 3: Run the installer
Once the file is downloaded, locate GitHubDesktopSetup.exe in your Downloads folder or wherever you saved it. Double-click the file to run the installer. Windows may prompt you with a User Account Control window asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed with the installation.
Step 4: Complete the installation
The installer will launch and begin extracting files and setting up GitHub Desktop. No additional input is required during this process. Wait until the setup is complete. Once complete, GitHub Desktop will start automatically, and you can sign in using your GitHub account credentials.
Step 5: Configure GitHub Desktop
When run for the first time, GitHub Desktop will prompt you to sign in with your GitHub account. Enter your credentials to log in. During the initial setup, you can also configure your name and email address, which will be associated with your commits. These settings will let others know who made changes to the repository and add a personal touch to all your project contributions.
Installing GitHub Desktop on Mac
Step 1: Open the GitHub Desktop website
Just like in Windows, open your browser and visit https://desktop.github.com. The website will automatically detect your Mac operating system and show an appropriate download option.
Step 2: Download the Installer
Click the Download button to get the GitHub Desktop application for Mac. The file is downloaded as a zip archive named "GitHubDesktop.zip". Save this file to a desired location on your Mac, such as the Downloads folder.
Step 3: Remove the app
Once the download is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the zip file. Double-click on “GitHubDesktop.zip” to extract its contents. Inside, you will find the GitHub Desktop application.
Step 4: Install GitHub Desktop
Drag the GitHub Desktop application to your Applications folder. This process copies the application to your Mac and makes it available alongside other installed apps.
Step 5: Configure GitHub Desktop
Open your Applications folder and find GitHub Desktop. Double-click the application to launch it. When you run GitHub Desktop for the first time, it will prompt you to sign in with your GitHub account. Provide your credentials as requested. You will also be asked to enter your name and email; this information will be used in your commit record.
Exploring the key features of GitHub Desktop
Cloning the repository
With GitHub Desktop, cloning a repository is very easy. After signing in, you'll see the option to clone a repository from your list of existing repositories. You can clone either a repository you've created or a repository you've been added to as a collaborator. Simply click the repository's "Clone" button, select the local path where you want to store the repository, and GitHub Desktop will handle the rest.
Committing to Change
Making changes to your code and committing them with GitHub Desktop makes it easy to track your project's history. After changes are made to the cloned repository, they are listed under the "Changes" tab. Write a short message summarizing the changes in the commit, and press the "Commit" button to store those changes to your local repository.
Syncing changes
To push changes to a remote repository on GitHub, use the "Push Origin" button in GitHub Desktop. This action uploads your local commits to the GitHub-server, making them available to other collaborators. Similarly, the "Fetch Origin" option allows you to pull new changes from a remote repository.
Adding collaborators
Collaboration is one of GitHub's most powerful features. You can manage repository collaborators directly from GitHub Desktop. Invite team members to your repository with specific access levels, and manage permissions without going into GitHub's web interface.
Troubleshooting common problems
Despite its user-friendly design, you may encounter problems when using GitHub Desktop. Here are some common challenges and ways to resolve them:
Problem: Cannot clone repository
A possible solution is to check your network connection. Sometimes a slow or disconnected internet can cause problems with cloning. Make sure you are logged into GitHub. Try resetting your login credentials and try cloning again.
Problem: Push or Pull Failure
If you're having trouble pushing or pulling changes, check if you have unresolved conflicts. GitHub Desktop provides a visual guide to help with conflict resolution. You may also want to verify your connection to the GitHub servers.
Conclusion
GitHub Desktop is a must-have tool for developers who want to harness the power of Git and GitHub without having to delve deep into the command line. Its simple installation process on Windows and Mac broadens accessibility, encouraging more people to get involved in coding and collaboration. By following the steps in this guide, you've set up GitHub Desktop on your system, configured it, and started managing your projects with ease.
With your new capability, explore GitHub's vast community, contribute to open-source projects, or manage personal projects more efficiently. Use GitHub Desktop's integrated features to improve your workflow and collaborate seamlessly with others. GitHub Desktop's easy-to-navigate interface makes it the perfect companion for developers of any skill level.
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