Git
Git is a free, open-source distributed version control system for managing work across repositories.
What Git is
Git is a free, open-source distributed version control system for managing work across repositories. It is designed for projects ranging from small to very large, and command-line tools are available. The wider Git ecosystem also includes graphical interfaces and repository hosting services. Git supports sparse checkout and nested repositories; large-file handling is available through an extension. It can be deployed on your own systems. Binary releases are available for all major platforms, with Windows, macOS, and Linux listed as desktop platforms and an installation option provided for Mac. Git’s site provides reference documentation and learning resources, including tutorials, videos, a cheat sheet, and the Pro Git book, which can be read online for free. Community channels include bug reporting, a mailing list, chat, and development participation. Patches, suggestions, and comments are welcome. The latest source release listed is version 2.55.0, with release notes dated June 29, 2026. Git is a member of Software Freedom Conservancy.
Good
- Free and open source.
- Designed for small to very large projects.
- Supports sparse checkout and nested repositories.
- Online Pro Git book and other learning resources.
- Available for major platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Watch out
- Large-file handling requires an extension.
- Graphical interfaces and hosting are ecosystem offerings, not Git itself.
Who it suits
Git suits developers and teams managing versions of projects of many sizes. It can also suit people who want command-line tools or prefer a graphical interface from its ecosystem.
Verdict
Git provides distributed version control for projects of many sizes, with command-line tools and ecosystem options for graphical interfaces and hosting. Its documentation, learning materials, and broad platform releases support getting started and ongoing use.
Plans and prices
From Git's own pricing page, checked 27 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Git is free and open source. |
The facts
Each one read from Git's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Command Line Tools
- Command-line tools are available for Git.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Community Support
- The community includes bug reporting, a mailing list, chat, and development.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Conservancy Member
- Git is a member of Software Freedom Conservancy.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Graphical Interfaces
- Git has GUIs available in its ecosystem.checked 27 Sep 2026
- High Performance
- Git is described as lightning fast.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Hosting Services
- Git has hosting services available in its ecosystem.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Latest Source Release
- The latest source release listed is version 2.55.0.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Learning Resources
- The site offers the Pro Git book, videos, tutorials, and a cheat sheet.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Project Scale
- Git is designed for small to very large projects.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Reference Documentation
- Git provides reference documentation.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Release Date
- The listed release notes date is June 29, 2026.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Site Contributions
- Patches, suggestions, and comments are welcome.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Version Control
- Git is a distributed version control system.checked 27 Sep 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2005checked 23 Sep 2026
Money
- Free Online Book
- Pro Git is available to read online for free.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Free Open Source
- Git is free and open source.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Mac Installation
- The site provides an installation option for Mac.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Platform Releases
- Binary releases are available for all major platforms.checked 27 Sep 2026
Alternatives to Git
- 1

Unity
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI8.4Free plan - 2

Unity Version Control
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS8.1Free plan - 3

Perforce P4 (Helix Core)
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.9From $39 a month - 4

Diversion
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.8From $25 a month - 5

GitHub CodeQL
Free planWebExtensionLinuxmacOS7.5From $30 a month - 6
GitUI
Free planOpen sourceAndroidLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted7.5Free plan
