which msysgit version to download?

Question

I gave up on cygwin's version of Git, and now I would like install msysgit instead.

The problem is... they are all preview versions.

I need Git for production. Is there a stable release out there?

To further complicate matters, I have been working (checking in and out) with git version 1.7.5.1 on cygwin... Does this change the answer?

Note that msysgit uses [5-year old](https://github.com/msysgit/msysgit/issues/31) (or [even older) versions of many base system files](https://github.com/msysgit/msysgit/issues/75) like ssh.exe, grep.exe etc. — Dan Dascalescu, Jan 08 '13 at 07:55

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 11 '12 at 17:47

7

I also find it frustrating that mysisgit only lists preview versions. However i've been running them for almost 2 years now and have seen no ill effects. I would just download the latest preview version and go with that.

answered Jan 11 '12 at 17:47

JaredPar

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Thanks for the quick answer. I just noticed the 64-bit **pre-alpha** version, so if I'm guessing correctly, msysgit redefined "release/stable" as "preview" and "alpha" as "pre-alpha"? – WinWin Jan 11 '12 at 17:54
@WinWin I've never used the pre-alpha. Even on 64 bit windows I stick with the 32 bit preview version. – JaredPar Jan 11 '12 at 17:57
I had no intention of downloading the 64-bit version. I was just wondering about the terminology. There must be some rational behind this. – WinWin Jan 11 '12 at 17:59
2

I have also been using the latest available for the last 3 years with no issues. – Adam Dymitruk Jan 11 '12 at 18:00
1

@WinWin whenever i read **alpha** i mentally substitute **scary preview**. I don't know what the name rationale is but alpha will probably always scare me :) – JaredPar Jan 11 '12 at 18:00
@Adam Dymitruk Thanks +1 for the extra reassurance. Accepting. – WinWin Jan 11 '12 at 18:06

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 16 '12 at 23:11

The reason for the 'preview' is in the msysGit repo in the file HowToRelease.txt.

I think that msysGit is getting close to meeting the criteria suggested of:

A setup executable is named as follows

 - it starts with Git;
 - followed by the official git version if the release is closely
   related to a specific version of official git;
 - followed by
    * preview<date>, for snapshot builds.
    * winrc#, if we reach a certain quality level and plan to release
      a stable version.  If no bugs are found, this can be upgraded
      to a stable release.  We use winrc instead of simply rc to avoid
      confusion with official release candidates.  The prefix "win"
      clearly indicates that the tag is about the Windows release.

Given the general quality and stability of msysGit it may be that there is an alternative that better reflects that feeling on the msysGit list msysgit@googlegroups.com

which msysgit version to download?

2 Answers2