Table of contents

• What is LazyGit
• How LazyGit came to be
• What is Graphite CLI
• Comparing LazyGit and Graphite CLI
• Conclusion
• Frequently asked questions

What is LazyGit

LazyGit is a terminal-based user interface for Git. It provides a text-based dashboard that lets developers visualize branches, commits, stashes, and diffs without memorizing complex Git commands. Developers can stage, commit, push, and rebase through simple keyboard shortcuts instead of typing long command sequences.

Because it is purely local, LazyGit is best for developers who want a lightweight productivity boost when working with Git repositories. It doesn’t introduce new workflows; rather, it simplifies the existing Git experience.

How LazyGit came to be

LazyGit was created in 2018 by Australian developer Jesse Duffield. It started as a side project meant to reduce the friction of remembering and typing long Git commands. Duffield open-sourced it on GitHub, where it quickly gained traction among developers who appreciated its simple interface and productivity-focused shortcuts.

Its growth has been entirely community-driven. Contributors worldwide continue to maintain and enhance the tool, keeping it lightweight while adding features like conflict resolution, branch management, and integrations with common workflows. LazyGit’s popularity largely comes from its grassroots adoption and word of mouth in developer communities.

What is Graphite CLI

Graphite CLI is a command-line tool designed to streamline Git workflows for teams. Unlike LazyGit, which focuses on simplifying single-user interactions, Graphite CLI emphasizes structured, stack-based development. With Graphite, developers create "stacked" pull requests that build on each other, which makes reviewing and merging changes more efficient.

Graphite CLI integrates directly with platforms like GitHub, adding commands that manage pull request creation, updates, and syncing. For teams practicing continuous integration and frequent commits, this creates a workflow where code review is smoother and context is preserved across branches.

Comparing LazyGit and Graphite CLI

• Focus

  • LazyGit: Simplifies the developer’s personal Git interface.
  • Graphite CLI: Optimizes team workflows around collaboration, review, and merge processes.

• Integration

  • LazyGit: Works locally with Git; no external integrations.
  • Graphite CLI: Connects deeply with GitHub (and similar platforms) to manage PRs and sync branches.

• Workflow impact

  • LazyGit: Lowers friction for individuals working with Git commands.
  • Graphite CLI: Introduces a structured workflow that improves efficiency for teams handling multiple PRs.

• Ideal use case

  • LazyGit: Solo developers, side projects, or anyone who wants a faster Git interface.
  • Graphite CLI: Engineering teams seeking to scale their code review process with clarity and efficiency.

Conclusion

LazyGit is a great tool if you want to make Git commands more approachable in a terminal. However, Graphite CLI goes beyond usability—it reshapes how teams collaborate. By encouraging stacked changes and integrating directly with pull request platforms, Graphite CLI provides more long-term value for teams that want to move faster without losing review quality.

Frequently asked questions

Is LazyGit good for beginners?

Yes, LazyGit is excellent for beginners! It provides a visual interface that makes Git operations more intuitive. Instead of memorizing complex command-line syntax, beginners can see their repository structure, staged changes, and commit history in an organized dashboard. The tool reduces the learning curve by providing keyboard shortcuts and visual feedback, making it easier to understand Git concepts like staging, committing, and branching.

What does "lazy git" mean?

The name "LazyGit" reflects the tool's philosophy of reducing the effort required to perform common Git operations. It's called "lazy" because it eliminates the need to remember and type long, complex Git commands. Instead of being "lazy" in a negative sense, it's about being efficient and productive—letting developers focus on coding rather than wrestling with command syntax.

What is Git and why do I need it?

Git is a distributed version control system that tracks changes in your code over time. It allows multiple developers to collaborate on projects, maintain different versions of code, and easily revert to previous states if something goes wrong. You need Git because it's the industry standard for managing code repositories, enabling features like branching, merging, and collaboration that are essential for modern software development.

What is LazyGit written in?

LazyGit is written in Go (also known as Golang). This choice makes LazyGit fast, lightweight, and easy to install across different operating systems. Go's excellent cross-platform support and efficient compilation mean that LazyGit runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Linux without requiring additional dependencies.