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GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop is a free, open-source developer tool for Windows, macOS and Linux. Focus on what matters instead of fighting with Git. It has 21,922 GitHub stars and is released under the MIT license, and people use it instead of GitKraken and Sourcetree.

github.com/desktop/desktop (opens in a new tab)

About GitHub Desktop

GitHub Desktop is an open-source Electron-based GitHub app. It is written in TypeScript and uses React. Download the official installer for your operating system:

Install GitHub Desktop

Package names found in the project's README. Each links to its package page so you can check the publisher first.

Homebrew (macOS)
brew install --cask github

Package page (opens in a new tab)

Chocolatey (Windows)
choco install github-desktop

Package page (opens in a new tab)

Replaces

Commercial software people commonly use GitHub Desktop instead of.

  • GitKraken
  • Sourcetree

FAQ

GitHub Desktop FAQ

Still curious? Email info@appsgit.com.

What is GitHub Desktop?

GitHub Desktop is a free, open-source developer tool for Windows, macOS and Linux. Focus on what matters instead of fighting with Git. It has 21,922 GitHub stars and is released under the MIT license, and people use it instead of GitKraken and Sourcetree.

Is GitHub Desktop free and open source?

Yes. GitHub Desktop's source code is public on GitHub under the MIT license, which is OSI-approved or FSF-free, so you can use, copy and change it for free.

How do I install GitHub Desktop?

Homebrew: brew install --cask github and Chocolatey: choco install github-desktop. The commands are on this page. Installers are also on its GitHub Releases page (latest: release-3.6.6).

Can GitHub Desktop replace GitKraken?

GitHub Desktop is commonly used as a free alternative to GitKraken and Sourcetree. Features differ, so check that it opens the file formats and covers the workflows you rely on before switching.