GitHub Desktop brings the functionality of Git and GitHub into an application in a way that’s much easier to navigate on your computer.
Looking to integrate this into your workflow but not sure how it works? Well, just follow our guide on how to use GitHub Desktop on a Mac.
What Is GitHub Desktop?
As a developer, Git and GitHub are essential tools to have in your arsenal. They help you manage and keep track of code. You can share your code, collaborate, and even network with other developers.
While you may have to rely ona command line interfaceto use one or a web browser to use the other, GitHub Desktop isan open-source applicationyou can install on your Mac to make managing your Git repositories even more convenient.
Setting Up GitHub Desktop on Your Mac
Because it’s an open-source app, you can easily download and install GitHub Desktop on your Mac for free. Just complete the following steps:
After launching GitHub Desktop on your Mac, you can sign in to your existing GitHub account by following the on-screen prompts. You can also create a new account if you don’t already have one.
Afterward, you’ll be redirected to a webpage in your default browser that’ll allow you to authenticate and link your GitHub account to GitHub Desktop on your Mac.
Managing Your Workflow on GitHub Desktop on Your Mac
Once you’ve successfully launched the app on your Mac, it’s ready for use. And there’s so much you can do with GitHub Desktop on your Mac: create andclone a GitHub repository, add an external editor if you so please, create and merge pull requests, as well as push code—all within the app.
Create and Clone a Repository
GitHub Desktop makes it easy for first-time users to navigate the app on their Macs. As soon as you’ve linked your GitHub account and authenticated it, aLet’s get startedwindow appears, with four prompts—each one guiding you on how to create a repository.
You can either create a tutorial repo or go ahead and create a new one on your local storage. You can also clone a repository from the internet or add an existing one from your hard drive.
Even after skipping these steps, creating a repository is as simple as completing the following steps:
If you clone a repository, you’re essentially making a local copy of that repository. And any change you make to that clone affects the original repository.
Here’s how to clone a repository:
You’ll find the cloned repository in the location you chose.
Add an External Editor
GitHub Desktop is compatible with a good number of text editors. Before deciding to integrate one into your workflow, first check if it’s one of the supported editors onGitHub Docs. Then, download it to your Mac and follow these steps:
Create a Branch
When working on a project, sometimes isolating a section can really help you explore or experiment without fear of botching up the entire project. That’s what you get when you create a branch, and here’s how you’re able to do that with GitHub Desktop on your Mac.
If you need to switch between branches, simply click on theCurrent Branchtab and choose your preferred branch.
Commit Changes
At this stage, with your external editor enabled and branches created, making changes and creating commits is straightforward. It’s an easy way to track the changes you make along the way while working on your project. Here’s what you need to do:
You commit changes by following the steps below:
Make sure your descriptions are clear and easy to understand.
After making edits to your code, you would want to send those committed changes to the remote repo on GitHub. That’s what the entire idea of pushing code is predicated upon. And you’re able to do this in two easy steps.
And in a matter of seconds, your code will be published on GitHub.
Create, View, and Merge Pull Request
Once you’ve published or pushed your code to GitHub, a dialog appears within the app, inviting you to preview pull requests. Here, you can easily selectCreate Pull Requestfrom the dropdown menu.
But beyond that dialog, for everything else related to Pull Request, whether it’s creating one more, viewing, or merging, you can do the following:
Navigate GitHub Desktop on Your Mac Easily
It might take a minute to get the hang of a new tool. But learning the fundamentals makes it a smooth process. By following our guide, you should be able to use GitHub Desktop on your Mac like a pro in no time.
That way, you can get on with creating code in your IDE, tracking the changes you make along the way within the GitHub Desktop app, and collaborating seamlessly with your teammates on a project.
