I made the recommendation to us git extensions as the standard git tool if you don't already have one. I thought this would be good, it sets up a diff tool and provides all the nice advanced git capabilities. So why do I end up so confused?
When I go to help I request an operation. They right click on something and the option is available. Well, that might do what I'm thinking, but I don't know. This creates a complex matrix of options to achieve something.
It has some nice usability improvements, but I think it does not help to guide the user. You already need to understand what git is doing in order to make the most of it.
Top comments (2)
Your last sentence nails it for most git tools -- you need to understand how git works: the more the better. Personally, Git Extensions never felt comfortable for me: I found the UI too busy and confusing when I could accomplish what I wanted from the CLI easier. Also, GE is windows-only and I tend to work across at least two operating systems (windows and linux), occasionally crossing into osx-land.
GitKraken is way better (give it a go if you haven't -- it can be free depending on usage).
The JetBrains integrated tooling is quite good, but they're mixing it up a bit lately, so every release, the cheese has moved. Personally, I still end up at the command prompt a lot of the time -- I really only use GUI tools to browse history and resolve conflicts.
Personally I'm quite happy with the standard gitk and git gui. As you say I mostly just want to browse the history, and git gui is nice for managing partial commits, something git extensions fails at.