Should you use a Git client?

Table of contents

• Why consider a Git client
• Benefits of using a Git GUI or desktop client
• When the CLI still wins
• How Graphite relates to Git
• Which Git client should you choose?
• Quick comparison table
• Final recommendation
• Further reading and setup

Why consider a Git client

A Git client provides a graphical (or desktop) interface for version control tasks like commits, branching, merges, and stashes. A Git desktop client or Git GUI client puts these actions into menus and buttons instead of typed commands. They can reduce errors, flatten the learning curve, and improve visibility into history and diffs.

Benefits of using a Git GUI or desktop client

• Visual staging and diffs: Dynamic side-by-side diff panels help review changes before committing
• Branch management: A clear tree or graph view helps with understanding branch structure
• Conflict resolution tools: GUI merge editors make conflict fixes less stressful
• Quick undo: Easily revert or amend commits via context menus
• Onboarding friendly: Reduces the barrier for beginners and occasional contributors

When the CLI still wins

• Automation with scripts and CI/CD pipelines
• Interacting with new or advanced Git commands (e.g., rebase --onto)
• Working remotely over ssh or in headless environments
• Power users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows

How Graphite relates to Git

Graphite is a developer platform built on top of Git. It enables stacked pull requests, streamlines code review, and integrates cleanly with both CLI and GUI workflows. Graphite supports Git fundamentals and builds modern tooling on top.

Example workflow with Graphite:

1. Create a feature and break it into multiple small changes (stacks)
2. Each change becomes a separate PR
3. Use gt stack, gt upstack, or gt sync to manage the tree
4. View and manage the stack visually using the Graphite VS Code extension
5. Optionally, use a Git GUI client like GitHub Desktop or Sourcetree to interact with local branches while Graphite handles stack logic

Graphite enhances traditional Git desktop client usage by abstracting away much of the complexity around rebasing, squashing, and stack syncing—making advanced workflows more accessible.

Which Git client should you choose?

• For ease of use and visual feedback: try GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, GitKraken, or GitTower.
• If you use VS Code: install the Graphite extension to combine stacked branching with visual management.
• For terminal-native users: use the Graphite CLI and optionally complement with a GUI for reviewing diffs or resolving conflicts.

Quick comparison table

Final recommendation

You should use a Git client (GUI or desktop) if you want a more visual, less error-prone, and beginner-friendly interface. It's especially helpful for visualizing branches, reviewing diffs, and resolving conflicts.

Advanced users may prefer the command line, but often benefit from mixing both worlds. By using Graphite with a Git GUI client like Tower, you get full support for stacked pull requests—visually create, restack, sync, and submit your branches—while Graphite’s Diamond AI generates PR titles and descriptions, all without leaving the app.

Further reading and setup

• Getting started with the Graphite CLI
• How Graphite supports stacked PRs
• Graphite VS Code extension
• GUI client comparisons: GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, GitKraken