Which is Better for Git: GitKraken or CLI

When developing websites or applications, it’s important to have a way to document the progress. This is where Git becomes handy. But before we go about which is better for Git, let us first know the basics about it.

Git is one of the most popular forms of version control. Version control is a category of tools that help you track files and changes on the source code over time. It ensures that a plan is followed through and all inputs are recorded. It allows programmers to track the progress of a project that they’re developing.

Basically, Git allows a team to work together on the same files. It is categorized as a Distributed Control System (DVCS). Every developer gets to have a working copy of the code as a repository with the history of all changes made. This makes collaboration more efficient because you can backup files, track ownership, and sandbox your changes.

It’s important to orient yourself with the commands used in Git. These are the simple commands you must know.

1. > Git pull
2. > Git add .
3. > Git commit -m “your message here”
4. > Git push

One of the more traditional ways of using Git was through the command line interface (CLI). The CLI issues commands given by the developer to the program. There’s also the GitKraken which is a cross-platform graphical user interface (GUI) Git client. One is the original Git tool, while the other is a compact Git client. Between the two, which is better for Git?

 

Advantages and Disadvantages

To see the difference between the two Git UI, it’s best to have a rundown of their advantages and disadvantages. In this way, we get to see how one platform is better than the other.

Advantages

GitKraken

• Whether you’re a pro or a novice, GitKraken is user-friendly. It provides visual interactions that make it easy to learn Git concepts. There’s even no need to memorize commands.
• GitKraken gives a new name to speed once it comes to development. It introduces a drag and drop feature that will let you merge, rebase, reset, and push instantly. Even undoing a commit only takes a single click.
• Remote control is faster and easier on GitKraken. Developers can run, autofetch, and create pull requests without having to switch apps. It saves time and improves continuity.
• The GitKraken is constantly updated. Active development schedule is rigorously put in place to improve and better the Git client.

 

CLI

• The CLI requires less memory which is helpful if your computer has a low RAM memory. Faster performance is expected due to the CLI taking up less system resources in a computer.
• Overall it is less demanding on a computer’s CPU and other system processes because it only needs a keyboard to navigate the interface.
• Having been around for long, CLI’s commands remain almost always the same. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll find it easy to use the tool even when new commands are introduced.

 

Disadvantages

GitKraken

• Just like other GUIs, GitKraken uses up a lot of your computer system resources. This results to a slower processing performance. Even when you’re not using GitKraken, it still operates in the background which can affect the speed of your computer.

 

CLI

• A common complaint about CLI is its steep learning curve. Unless you’re a pro who’s been a hardcore CLI user since, it’s difficult to orient yourself with the commands.
• You need to type in commands. Pros at development may be quick at typing, but it’s not as efficient as when you merely drag and drop.
• Remote control is possible in CLI, but you have to be well-verse with its commands. There are no auto-fetch and pull request features. A separate app is needed for that.
• The CLI’s Git does not have expansive updates constantly. It would be difficult for developers to apply the Git to their own GUIs.

 

Which is Better for Git?

Overall, GitKraken wins the debate hands down. It eases file sharing, encourages team collaboration, and allows for focus on individual tasks. Experimenting with commands is possible since you can isolate the command before committing it. GitKraken has integrated important features that is valuable for any developer.

However, there’s still hope for CLI. If we discuss the professional level of the developer, pros can leverage their use of CLI when they use it with GitKraken. Once it comes to machine considerations, CLI is still the tool for simple commands. On the other hand, GitKraken is largely helpful for novice developers so they can develop their skills.

GitKraken Tips

Convinced that GitKraken is for you? Well, we’ve pulled these neat tips from the GitKraken blog that will surely make your user experience easier.

1. If you want to see just the commits for a specific branch, use the soloing function.
2. Use GitKraken’s fuzzy finder to quickly open a repo, view file history, and more.
3. Pull any branch, even if it isn’t checked out. Just select “Pull” in the branch actions context menu (you can also push the branch the same way).
4. Resize the commit graph to optimize space for repos with many branches, even down to a single column.
5. Scale the UI to your liking with ⌘ | Ctrl + +/-, the zoom selector, or the fuzzy finder.
6. Forgot something in your previous commit’s message? Amend it by clicking the message in the right panel.
7. Drag-and-drop one remote onto another to quickly create a PR without leaving GitKraken.
8. Select multiple commits in the graph and easily squash them with 1-click. Use undo to reset if necessary.
9. Use the fuzzy finder (⌘ | Ctrl + P) to quickly switch repos without leaving the keyboard.

Remember to consult with other developers to get as much idea on Git tools as possible. At Project Assistant, we’re committed to exchanging ideas to maximize digital opportunities. We’re here to guide you on the best digital solutions for your business.