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Asked: 2024-09-27T10:30:17+05:30 In: ,

What are the steps to install Git on the Windows Subsystem for Linux?

So, I’ve been trying to get Git set up on my Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and honestly, I’m kind of stuck. I thought it would be smooth sailing, considering how easy it is to install stuff in WSL, but it feels like I’ve hit a bit of a wall.

I’m new to both Git and WSL, so the whole thing is a bit overwhelming. The first thing I did was open up my WSL terminal (I’m running Ubuntu—at least I think I am), and I started off by trying to figure out if Git’s even installed by typing in `git –version`. To my surprise, I got back a message saying “git: command not found.” Not the best start, right?

Now, I’m pretty sure I need to install Git, but I’m not completely sure what the exact steps are. Should I update my package manager first? I’ve heard about using `apt` in Ubuntu but have no idea where to start with that. I’ve also seen some forums mentioning needing to do some sort of configuration after the installation, like setting up my username and email. Is that really necessary before I even try to use Git?

Also, I’ve seen references to different versions of Git. Should I worry about that? I just want to make sure I get the right version. Plus, I came across a mention of using a graphical tool for Git, but I’m not sure how that fits in with WSL. Does anyone have a simple rundown of what steps I should follow? I need a clear and friendly explanation, not some technical jargon that’ll just leave me more confused.

Honestly, if you have a solid guide or just the basic commands to run in the terminal, that would be a game-changer for me. I’m really keen to dive into using Git for my projects, but right now, I just feel like I am stuck in quicksand. Any help from you super knowledgeable folks would be greatly appreciated!

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    2 Answers



    1. Getting Started with Git on WSL


      How to Install Git on WSL (Ubuntu)

      First off, don’t sweat it! Getting Git set up on WSL can feel daunting, but it’s totally doable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you rolling:

      Step 1: Open Your WSL Terminal

      Make sure you’re in the WSL terminal. You mentioned you think you’re using Ubuntu, which is great! You’ll want to execute a couple of simple commands here.

      Step 2: Update Your Package Manager

      Before installing anything, it’s a good idea to update your package lists. Just run this command:

      sudo apt update

      You might be asked to enter your password. Just type it in (you won’t see it being typed), and hit Enter.

      Step 3: Install Git

      Now, let’s get Git installed. Use this command:

      sudo apt install git

      This will download and install Git. If it asks you to confirm (it might ask “Do you want to continue? [Y/n]”), just hit Y and Enter.

      Step 4: Check Git Installation

      Once it’s done, check that Git is installed correctly by running:

      git --version

      You should see the version number now. Yay!

      Step 5: Configuring Git (Optional but Recommended)

      Now, before you dive into using Git, it’s good practice to set up your username and email. This helps track who makes changes. You can do this with the following commands:

      git config --global user.name "Your Name"
      git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

      Replace "Your Name" and "your.email@example.com" with your actual name and email.

      Step 6: Versions of Git

      For most users, the version of Git provided by the apt package manager is good enough. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to worry too much about specific versions.

      Graphical Tools for Git

      If you’re interested in using a graphical interface later on, tools like GitKraken or Sourcetree can be great. However, they would run outside of WSL. But for now, focusing on the command line is a good way to learn!

      Recap

      So, just follow these commands step by step, and you’ll have Git up and running in no time. If you face any hiccups, feel free to ask for more help. You got this!



    2. To get started with Git on your Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you first need to install it using the package manager `apt`. Open your WSL terminal and run the following commands to update your package list and install Git:
      sudo apt update
      followed by
      sudo apt install git.
      This will fetch the latest version of Git available for your Ubuntu distribution. After the installation is complete, you can verify that Git is installed by typing
      git --version
      again. This command should now return the installed version number of Git, indicating that the installation was successful.

      Once Git is installed, it’s important to set up your username and email address, as these details are used in your commit messages. You can do this with the following commands:
      git config --global user.name "Your Name"
      and
      git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com".
      Configuring these details is essential for proper version tracking. As for the versions of Git, the one offered through `apt` is generally stable and sufficient for most uses. If you’re interested in a graphical interface, you can explore tools like GitKraken or SourceTree, but these typically run outside of WSL. Start with the command line interface to build a solid foundation. You’ll be ready to dive into Git and your projects in no time.


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