[Guide] Installing and setting up Git

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There are many different "front end" graphical user interfaces for Git to choose from, like the basic one that comes with it, "SmartGit", "TortiseGit", "GitHub for Windows", and more. This guide focuses on one called "Git Extensions" because it seems simple to set up, with a clear graphical user interface, but powerful enough to do most normal operations without falling back to the main command line interface. I personally use the command line in Linux, so don't have a firm opinion on which is best.

Installing Git Extensions:
  • Got to the home page for Git Extensions: download the latest version and run the installer.
  • On the first page, click Next.
    git_extensions_setup_1.png
  • Your choice whether to install for all users or just you.
    git_extensions_setup_2.png
  • Leave the options to automatically install MsysGit and KDiff3 selected, unless you have already installed them or want to install a more recent version manually.
    git_extensions_setup_3.png
  • Choose the installation path.
    git_extensions_setup_4.png
  • Unless English is not your native language, you can disable the translations (select your language if not).
    git_extensions_setup_5_1.png
    Disable Visual Studio integration unless you have it and want to use it.
    git_extensions_setup_5_2.png
  • Choose PuTTY, though you won't need to use it unless uploading to your own fork on github.
    git_extensions_setup_6.png
  • After clicking Next, installation will start; if it pauses for more than a few seconds, the installation window for KDiff3 or MsysGit is probably waiting for input, behind your current window: click it in the taskbar.
Installing KDiff3:
  • Click "I Agree" after reading the license (or not).
    kdiff3_setup_1.png
  • Deselect "Translations" (unless you want them) and "WinCVS".
    kdiff3_setup_2.png
  • Adjust the installation path if necessary.
    kdiff3_setup_3.png
  • Match the "Install for all users" setting to what you chose for Git Extensions earlier.
    kdiff3_setup_4.png
  • Your choice whether you want start menu shortcuts.
    kdiff3_setup_5.png
  • Close the setup wizard.
    kdiff3_setup_6.png
Installing MsysGit:
  • If you chose not to select this in the Git Extensions installer, get the latest version from the official download page.
  • Click "Next" twice.
    git_setup_1.png

    git_setup_2.png
  • Adjust the installation path if necessary.
    git_setup_3.png
  • Your choice whether you want quick launch or desktop icons: you probably won't call this program directly, but rather use it through Git Extensions. Choose the "Simple context menu".
    git_setup_4.png
  • Start menu folder is also optional.
    git_setup_5.png
  • Keep the default setting "Use Git Bash only".
    git_setup_6.png
  • The default "Use OpenSSH" is fine, though you might want to choose Plink if you want to use the basic Git program to upload to a github fork, rather than using Git Extensions.
    git_setup_7.png
  • The default setting "Checkout Windows-style" is probably best, unless you are using Linux or Mac OS. Do not choose the third option to commit as-is.
    git_setup_8.png
  • Close the setup wizard.
    git_setup_9.png
Setup and cloning the PW repository with Git Extensions:
  • After starting Git extensions for the first time, the settings will be checked for problems: you will need to set up your user name and email  address to use, at least. Click the Repair button next to that entry.
    git_extensions_setup_repository_1.png
  • Enter the name you want to use for commit messages in the "User name" field. Enter the email address under "User email": it doesn't have to be valid, but might be useful for people trying to contact you when they use your code; you might want to set up a new gmail (or similar) account for coding related things rather than use your current personal account.
    git_extensions_setup_repository_2.png
  • After clicking OK, you will be at the main window with no repository open. Click "Clone repository" in the "Common Actions" tab on the left.
    git_extensions_setup_repository_3.png
  • Enter https://github.com/vornne/pw_module_system.git in the "Repository to clone" text box. Click "Browse" next to the "Destination" text box to choose where to put the module system directory. You can change the "Subdirectory to create" if you want to, but the default should be fine. Click "Clone".
    git_extensions_setup_repository_4.png
  • After the window that pops up showing the fetching process is complete, click "Yes" to open the new repository.
    git_extensions_setup_repository_5.png
  • The main repository browsing window should look something like this (with more commits and branches in the log).
    open_2.png
  • As part of the initial setup, you need to copy this command, run "Git bash" from the "Git" menu, then paste it into the command line and press enter. Then you can close the Git bash window.
    git config --global core.filemode false
 
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