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SourceTree

Greg Foster
Greg Foster
Graphite software engineer


Note

This guide explains this concept in vanilla Git. For Graphite documentation, see our CLI docs.


SourceTree was first released in 2011 by Atlassian, the same company behind popular developer tools like Jira and Bitbucket. Designed to simplify the use of Git through a graphical interface, SourceTree quickly gained traction and became a go-to Git GUI for both Git and Mercurial version control systems. It has seen regular updates over the years, keeping it relevant and well-maintained.

SourceTree was first released in 2011 by Atlassian, the same company behind popular developer tools like Jira and Bitbucket. Designed to simplify the use of Git through a graphical interface, SourceTree quickly gained traction and became a go-to Git GUI for both Git and Mercurial version control systems. It has seen regular updates over the years, keeping it relevant and well-maintained.

  1. User-Friendly Interface: SourceTree's interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible even for Git beginners.

  2. Multi-Platform: SourceTree is available on both macOS and Windows, allowing for a consistent experience across different operating systems.

  3. Comprehensive Git and Mercurial Support: Unlike some other Git GUIs, SourceTree also supports Mercurial, offering flexibility for teams using both VCS options.

  4. Advanced Features: Despite its ease of use for beginners, SourceTree doesn't skimp on advanced features. This includes stashing, cherry-picking, rebase, and more.

  5. Atlassian Ecosystem: Given that it's developed by Atlassian, SourceTree integrates seamlessly with other Atlassian products like Bitbucket and Jira.

  6. Free: One of the major advantages is that it's free to use, which makes it accessible for individuals and smaller teams.

  1. Performance: Some users report that SourceTree can be slow or laggy, particularly with larger repositories.

  2. Memory Usage: The tool is sometimes criticized for using more system resources than other lightweight Git GUIs.

  3. Complexity: Despite its user-friendly interface, the sheer number of features can overwhelm new users.

  4. Limited GitLab Support: While it does offer some level of GitLab support, it's not as deeply integrated as it is with other Atlassian products.

SourceTree has generally been well-received, especially for its balance between advanced features and user-friendliness. It's often recommended for Git beginners due to its intuitive GUI. However, some power users find it lacking in terms of performance and resource optimization. The tool has a large community, and you can find extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums dedicated to it.

SourceTree is best suited for individual developers and smaller teams who are looking for a free, user-friendly Git GUI that still offers a comprehensive set of features. It's especially beneficial for those already embedded in the Atlassian ecosystem, as it offers seamless integration with tools like Bitbucket and Jira.


In summary, SourceTree is a robust and versatile Git GUI that balances beginner-friendly features and advanced functionalities. While it has some shortcomings in terms of performance and resource usage, it remains a viable choice for both individual developers and teams.

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