How to install Git on macOS

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Installing Git on macOS is crucial for development workflows, enabling version control, collaboration, and deployment processes across all types of software projects. As the creator of CoreUI, a widely used open-source UI library, I’ve helped countless macOS developers set up Git for contributing to our repositories, managing component libraries, and maintaining enterprise applications. From my expertise, the most efficient approach is to use Homebrew package manager. This method provides automatic updates, easy management, and the latest Git version while integrating seamlessly with the macOS development environment.

Use Homebrew package manager for the easiest Git installation and management on macOS.

# Method 1: Using Homebrew (Recommended)
# First install Homebrew if not already installed
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Git with Homebrew
brew install git

# Update Git to latest version
brew upgrade git

# Method 2: Xcode Command Line Tools (Built-in)
# Install Xcode Command Line Tools (includes Git)
xcode-select --install

# Method 3: Official Git installer
# Download from https://git-scm.com/download/mac
# Run the .dmg file and follow installation steps

# Method 4: Using MacPorts
sudo port install git

# Verify installation
git --version
# Output: git version 2.x.x

# Check which Git is being used
which git
# /opt/homebrew/bin/git (Homebrew on Apple Silicon)
# /usr/local/bin/git (Homebrew on Intel)
# /usr/bin/git (System/Xcode version)

# Configure Git after installation
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

# Optional: Configure editor
git config --global core.editor "code --wait"  # For VS Code
git config --global core.editor "nano"         # For nano

# Check configuration
git config --list

Homebrew provides the most up-to-date Git version and easiest maintenance through brew upgrade. Xcode Command Line Tools include a system version of Git that’s sufficient for basic use but may be older. The official installer gives you control over the specific version but requires manual updates. If you already have multiple Git installations, check which git to see which version is active and adjust your PATH if needed.

Best Practice Note:

This is the same installation method we recommend for CoreUI contributors and macOS development teams. Use Homebrew for automatic updates and latest features, configure your preferred editor for commit messages, set up proper authentication with SSH keys or credential helpers, and ensure your PATH prioritizes the Homebrew Git over system Git for consistency.

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About the Author

Łukasz Holeczek, Founder of CoreUI, is a seasoned Fullstack Developer and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. As the lead developer for all JavaScript, React.js, and Vue.js products at CoreUI, they specialize in creating open-source solutions that empower developers to build better and more accessible user interfaces.

With expertise in TypeScript, JavaScript, Node.js, and modern frameworks like React.js, Vue.js, and Next.js, Łukasz combines technical mastery with a passion for UI/UX design and accessibility. CoreUI’s mission is to provide developers with tools that enhance productivity while adhering to accessibility standards.

Łukasz shares its extensive knowledge through a blog with technical software development articles. It also advises enterprise companies on building solutions from A to Z. Through CoreUI, it offers professional services, technical support, and open-core products that help developers and businesses achieve their goals.

Learn more about CoreUI’s solutions and see how your business can benefit from working with us.