How do I install lazygit on Ubuntu?

For Ubuntu 25.10 or later, use 'sudo apt install lazygit'. For older versions, download the binary from GitHub releases or use the manual installation script provided in the README, which involves fetching the latest release and installing it locally.

Lazygit vs GitKraken: which should I use?

Lazygit is terminal-based and keyboard-driven, ideal for developers who prefer staying in the CLI for speed. GitKraken is a full GUI with visual branching and mouse support, better for teams wanting a more graphical approach. Choose based on your workflow preference.

Can lazygit handle large git repositories?

Lazygit is generally efficient, but for repositories with thousands of commits, the TUI rendering of the commit graph might slow down. It relies on Git's underlying performance, so very large histories could impact responsiveness.

How to undo a commit drop in lazygit?

Press 'z' to undo the last action using Git's reflog. This works for actions like commit drops, but note that it doesn't cover working tree changes, as explained in the undo/redo documentation.

Does lazygit support custom keybindings?

Yes, lazygit has a flexible configuration system that allows remapping keys via a config file. You can customize bindings to match your preferences, as detailed in the configuration docs.

Is lazygit good for Git beginners?

Lazygit simplifies complex Git operations, but beginners might struggle with its keyboard shortcuts and TUI concepts. It's better for those already familiar with Git basics who want to enhance their workflow.

Open-Awesome

lazygit

MITGov0.62.2

A simple terminal UI for Git commands that makes complex operations like interactive rebasing and staging individual lines easier.

GitHub

79.1k stars2.9k forks0 contributors

What is lazygit?

Lazygit is a terminal user interface (TUI) for Git that provides a visual, interactive way to manage version control. It simplifies complex Git operations like interactive rebasing, staging individual lines, cherry-picking, and bisecting, all through a keyboard-driven interface. The tool aims to reduce the friction of using Git's command-line interface while retaining its full power.

Target Audience

Developers and engineers who use Git regularly and want a faster, more intuitive way to perform complex version control tasks without leaving the terminal. It's especially useful for those who find Git's command-line arguments cumbersome or hard to remember.

Value Proposition

Lazygit offers a streamlined, feature-rich TUI that makes Git more approachable without sacrificing functionality. Its unique selling points include visual interactive rebasing, precise line staging, custom patch manipulation, and an undo system, all wrapped in a highly configurable interface that stays true to terminal workflows.

Overview

simple terminal UI for git commands

Use Cases

Best For

Performing interactive rebases without editing manual TODO files
Staging specific lines or hunks within a file instead of entire files
Managing multiple feature branches simultaneously using worktrees
Visually comparing differences between any two commits or branches
Building and applying custom patches from historical commits
Simplifying complex Git workflows like cherry-picking and bisecting

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring full graphical user interfaces with mouse support for Git operations
Environments where terminal-based tools are impractical, such as in automated CI/CD scripts that rely on plain Git commands
Users who primarily perform basic Git commands and find the overhead of learning a TUI unnecessary

Pros & Cons

Pros

Interactive Rebase Simplification

Allows visual manipulation of commits for rebasing without editing manual TODO files, as demonstrated in the README's rebase demo that shows squashing and reordering with keyboard shortcuts.

Precise Line Staging

Enables staging individual lines or hunks within files directly from the interface, streamlining partial commits and reducing the need for command-line patch editing.

Custom Patch Building

Supports creating and applying custom patches from historical commits for selective changes, a powerful feature highlighted in the rebase magic tutorial for complex workflows.

Worktree Management

Facilitates creating and switching between worktrees to manage multiple branches simultaneously without stashing, improving productivity for parallel development.

Cons

External Dependency for PR Integration

GitHub pull request viewing requires the `gh` CLI to be installed and authenticated, adding an extra setup step that isn't needed for core Git functionality.

Keybinding Learning Curve

Users must memorize a new set of keyboard shortcuts, which can be initially confusing and counterintuitive for those accustomed to plain Git commands or other TUIs.

Terminal-Only Limitation

Lacks graphical elements and mouse support, which may not suit users who prefer visual feedback or have accessibility needs that rely on GUI tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

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