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citool Git Command Guide

The git citool command launches an interactive graphical commit tool built with Tcl/Tk, providing a user-friendly interface for committing changes to a Git repository.

Terminal window
git citool [<options>]
OptionDescription
—amendAmend the HEAD commit instead of creating a new one
—nocommitStage the changes but do not create a commit
—signoffAdd a Signed-off-by trailer to the commit message
—no-signoffDo not add a Signed-off-by trailer (default)
—allow-emptyAllow creating empty commits
—allow-empty-messageAllow creating commits with empty messages
—cleanup=Choose cleanup method for commit messages (strip, whitespace, verbatim, scissors, default)
—untracked-files[=]Show untracked files (no, normal, all; default is normal)
—verboseVerbose output
—quietSuppress status messages
—dry-runDon’t actually run any commands
ParameterDescription
None supported - citool operates on staged/unstaged changesN/A
Terminal window
git citool

Opens the graphical interface for staging and committing changes.

Terminal window
git citool --amend

Opens the tool with the previous commit’s message for editing and amending.

Terminal window
git citool --nocommit

Opens the interface to stage changes but doesn’t create the commit.

Terminal window
git citool --signoff

Opens the tool and will add a Signed-off-by trailer to the commit message.

Terminal window
git citool --untracked-files=all

Launches the tool showing all files, including untracked ones.

How do I open the git commit tool graphically?

Section titled “How do I open the git commit tool graphically?”

To open the git commit tool graphically, use:

Terminal window
git citool

To amend a commit using citool, run:

Terminal window
git citool --amend

How do I stage changes without committing in citool?

Section titled “How do I stage changes without committing in citool?”

To stage changes without committing in citool, execute:

Terminal window
git citool --nocommit

How can I enable signoff for commits in citool?

Section titled “How can I enable signoff for commits in citool?”

To enable signoff for commits in citool, use:

Terminal window
git citool --signoff

To show untracked files in citool, run:

Terminal window
git citool --untracked-files=all
  1. Providing a graphical interface for developers preferring GUI over command line
  2. Interactive staging of file changes with patch visualization
  3. Committing large numbers of files with visual confirmation
  4. Training new Git users with a familiar interface
  5. Managing complex commits with selective staging
  6. Reviewing and amending commits with better readability