credential-cache Git Command Guide

The git credential-cache command provides a credential helper that caches Git credentials in memory for a specified period. It’s useful for avoiding repeated credential prompts during a development session while remaining more secure than permanent storage.

git credential-cache Syntax:

git credential-cache [daemon [--options]] [<action>]

Options:

Option	Description
—timeout	Number of seconds to keep credentials cached (default 900 = 15 minutes)
—socket	Path to socket file where daemon will listen
—help	Display help information

Actions:

Action	Description
(none)	Contact daemon to get/store credentials
daemon	Start the daemon (usually done automatically)
exit	Shut down credential cache daemon (kills all children)

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
	Timeout in seconds for credential caching

Caution

Credentials are stored in memory only and expire after timeout. Process isolation may allow other processes to access cached credentials. Use for temporary sessions, not permanent credential storage.

git credential-cache Command Samples:

Enable credential caching globally

git config --global credential.helper cache

Configures Git to use the cache helper.

Start daemon with custom timeout

git credential-cache --timeout 3600 daemon

Starts cache daemon with 1-hour timeout.

Exit cache daemon

git credential-cache exit

Stops the credential cache daemon.

Configure cache timeout

git config --global credential.helper 'cache --timeout 1800'

Sets cache timeout to 30 minutes globally.

Tip

Combine with SSH agents for mixed SSH/HTTPS workflows. Cache expires automatically after timeout for security.

How do I enable Git credential caching?

To enable Git credential caching, use:

git config --global credential.helper cache

How can I set the credential cache timeout?

To set the credential cache timeout, run:

git config --global credential.helper 'cache --timeout 1800'

How do I stop the credential cache daemon?

To stop the credential cache daemon, execute:

git credential-cache exit

What is the default timeout for credential cache?

The default timeout for credential cache is 15 minutes (900 seconds).

Is credential cache secure?

Credential cache stores credentials in memory temporarily, making them inaccessible after session ends or timeout expires.

Applications of the git credential-cache command

1. Reducing credential prompts during intensive Git workflows
2. Supporting automated scripts that perform multiple Git operations
3. Temporary credential storage for development sessions
4. Balancing convenience and security in team development
5. Enabling smooth experience in environments with frequent credential changes
6. Supporting CI/CD pipelines that need short-term credential persistence