GitKraken Client: Getting Started
Tags: git, github
Published: 2023-07-02 17:00:27

Welcome to the eleventh blog of the series!

In this blog we will explore GitKraken Client.GitKraken is a powerful cross-platform Git client that provides an intuitive and visually appealing interface for managing your Git repositories. With features like seamless Git integration, a robust code editor, and collaborative tools, GitKraken simplifies the Git workflow and enhances productivity. In this blog post, we will guide you through getting started with GitKraken, explore its key features, and discuss some of the pro features available.

## Installing GitKraken

![GitKraken](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8a0pp3kz5kw4lgwajdd6.png)

To get started with GitKraken, follow these steps to install it on your machine:

1. Visit the GitKraken website at [gitkraken.com](gitkraken.com).
2. Click on the "Download" button to download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once GitKraken is installed, launch the application to begin.

## Cloning a Repository
To start working with a Git repository in GitKraken, you can clone an existing repository from a remote server. Follow these steps to clone a repository:

1. Click on the "Clone a Repo" button on the GitKraken home screen.
2. Enter the URL of the remote repository you want to clone.
3. Choose a local directory where you want to store the cloned repository.
4. Click on the "Clone the repo!" button.

GitKraken will clone the repository to your local machine, allowing you to start working with its files and history.

## Navigating the Interface

Once you have a repository open in GitKraken, you will notice its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Here are some key elements of the interface:

1. **Commit graph**: The commit graph visually represents the commit history of the repository, showing branches, merges, and commits.
2. **File tree**: The file tree displays the directory structure of the repository, allowing you to navigate and manage files.
3. **Diff view**: The diff view shows the differences between file versions, highlighting added, modified, and deleted lines.
4. **Branches**: The branches panel lists all the branches in the repository, allowing you to create, switch, and merge branches.
5. **Pull request and issue integration**: GitKraken seamlessly integrates with popular hosting services like GitHub and GitLab, providing a streamlined experience for managing pull requests and issues.

## Committing Changes

To commit changes to your repository in GitKraken, follow these steps:

1. Make changes to your files in the code editor or any other external editor.
2. In the GitKraken interface, stage the files you want to include in the commit by clicking on the checkbox next to each file.
3. Enter a commit message that describes the changes you made.
4. Click on the "Commit" button to create the commit.

GitKraken will create a new commit with your changes and update the commit graph accordingly.

## Pro Features of GitKraken

GitKraken offers additional advanced features through its pro version. Some of the notable pro features include:

* **GitKraken Boards**: A powerful kanban-style task and issue tracking system to manage your development projects seamlessly.
* **GitKraken Timelines**: A visual timeline that provides a clear overview of your repository's commit history and helps identify trends and patterns.
* **GitKraken Git Integration**: Deep integrations with popular development tools like Jira, Trello, Slack, and more, enabling smooth collaboration and project management.

To unlock the pro version you can use the GitHub Student Developer Pack. GitKraken is free as long as you are student.

![GitKraken](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/aku0tijyhbcb56w84p5e.png)

## Conclusion

GitKraken is an exceptional Git client that offers a visually appealing and user-friendly interface for managing your Git repositories. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can get started with GitKraken, clone repositories, navigate the interface, and commit changes to your codebase. The pro features of GitKraken, including GitKraken Boards, Timelines, and Git Integration, further enhance your productivity and collaboration capabilities. Download GitKraken today and experience the power and simplicity it brings to your Git workflow.

Thank you for reading and do let me know your thoughts in comments!


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