How to globally configure git to use editor of your choice

Configuring Git to use an editor of your choice for editing commit messages can be done easily by setting the core.editor configuration option. This global setting allows you to specify any text editor you prefer, ensuring that whenever you need to write or edit a commit message, Git will open the specified editor. This setup enhances your workflow by integrating your preferred editing environment with Git’s version control operations, making the process of committing changes more efficient and comfortable.

Setting the Editor via Git Command

Using git config: The simplest way to configure your editor is by using the git config command. You can set this globally so that it applies to all your repositories.

git config --global core.editor "code --wait"

This command sets Visual Studio Code as the editor for Git commit messages. The --wait flag ensures that Git waits for you to close the editor before proceeding.

Specifying other editors: You can replace code --wait with the command for any other editor you prefer. For example, to use Vim:

git config --global core.editor "vim"

Similarly, for Nano:

git config --global core.editor "nano"

This flexibility allows you to integrate Git with the text editor you are most comfortable with.

Editing the Git Configuration File

Manual configuration: Another method to set your preferred editor is by manually editing the Git configuration file. This file is typically located at ~/.gitconfig.

[core]
    editor = code --wait

You can add or modify the core.editor entry to specify your desired editor. This method is useful if you prefer editing configuration files directly.

Ensuring correctness: When editing the configuration file manually, ensure that the syntax is correct and there are no typos. Incorrect configurations can lead to errors when Git tries to invoke the editor.

Environment Variables

Setting the EDITOR environment variable: Git also respects the EDITOR environment variable. You can set this variable to specify your preferred editor.

export EDITOR='code --wait'

You can add this line to your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc, .zshrc) to make the change persistent across sessions.

EDITOR vs. core.editor: While both the EDITOR environment variable and the core.editor Git configuration option can set the editor, the core.editor option takes precedence if both are set. Using core.editor is generally more specific and reliable for Git-related operations.

Cross-Platform Considerations

Windows configuration: On Windows, you can use the same git config command, but ensure the path to the editor executable is correctly specified. For example, to use Notepad++:

git config --global core.editor "'C:/Program Files/Notepad++/notepad++.exe' -multiInst -nosession"

Windows paths may require quotes, and specific flags (like -multiInst -nosession) might be needed for certain editors.

Linux and macOS configuration: On Linux and macOS, specifying the editor usually involves simple commands as shown earlier. Ensure the editor is installed and available in your PATH. For example, to use Sublime Text:

git config --global core.editor "subl -n -w"

The -n flag opens a new window, and -w makes Git wait for the editor to close.

Testing Your Configuration

Verifying the editor setup: After configuring your editor, it’s important to verify that Git correctly uses it for commit messages. You can test this by creating a new commit:

git commit --allow-empty -m "Test commit"

If you remove the -m flag, Git should open your configured editor, allowing you to edit the commit message.

Troubleshooting issues: If Git does not open your configured editor or behaves unexpectedly, double-check the configuration using:

git config --global --get core.editor

This command will display the currently set editor. Ensure there are no typos and the editor command works as expected from the command line.

Using Editors with Specific Flags

Visual Studio Code: To use Visual Studio Code, ensure you include the --wait flag:

git config --global core.editor "code --wait"

This flag ensures that Git waits for the editor to close before continuing.

Vim: For Vim, you don’t need additional flags:

git config --global core.editor "vim"

Vim is commonly used and works seamlessly with Git by default.

Nano: For Nano, simply set it as follows:

git config --global core.editor "nano"

Nano is lightweight and user-friendly, making it a good choice for quick edits.

Integrating with IDEs

IntelliJ IDEA: If you use IntelliJ IDEA or another JetBrains IDE, you can configure Git to use it as the editor:

git config --global core.editor "idea --wait"

Ensure the IDE command-line launcher is installed and properly configured.

Atom: For the Atom editor, use:

git config --global core.editor "atom --wait"

The --wait flag is crucial for making Git operations synchronous with the editor.

Summary

Configuring Git to use an editor of your choice for commit messages can significantly enhance your workflow by integrating your preferred editing environment with Git operations. The primary method is to use the git config --global core.editor command, specifying the desired editor and necessary flags to ensure proper operation. Alternative methods include manually editing the Git configuration file or setting the EDITOR environment variable. Cross-platform considerations are important, especially for Windows users who may need to adjust paths and flags accordingly. Testing the configuration and ensuring the editor command works correctly from the command line is crucial for a smooth setup. By following these steps, you can tailor Git to use the editor that best fits your preferences and needs, improving efficiency and comfort in your version control tasks.