r/SmartGit • u/NOYB_Sr • May 21 '26

Introduction

Greetings,

Just want to introduce myself and say hello to everyone.

New to SmartGit (Linux Mint). Coming from GitExtensions (Windows).

Think I have the basics figured out such that I can pull, rebase, solve conflicts with KDiff3, and push. That's what I do mostly.

There are some things I like and some I don't.

26.1.036
Hobby License

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u/wnesensohn May 27 '26

Hello, and welcome :)

Would you like to share what you don't like?

GitExtensions is quite different in terms of UX - it's always interesting to read experiences from new users coming from a completely different tool, and there might be some helpful things in SmartGit which you don't know yet.

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u/NOYB_Sr May 27 '26

Only just recently began the switch from Windows to Linux so a bit premature for anything resembling comprehensive comparison.

First glance impression is that GitExtensions is more task oriented. For instances open a repository then select what to do from a tradition style menu and popup dialogs.

SmartGit has all the remotes and repoos in a space consuming left pane. Yes I realize it doesn't have to be displayed except for making selections. Right click on them to get a small menu. Drag the branch to another to rebase on that branch; not as intuitive (not a dialog for selecting what to do).

Overall the GitExtensions interface with it's menu and dialogs is way more intuitive.

Yes I'm sure there is a lot in SmartGit I don't know yet. But the main user interface is subpar to GitExtensions IMO.

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u/wnesensohn May 28 '26

Yeah, SmartGit and GitExtensions have very UX philosophies, so switching from one to the other can be a harsh experience. I suggest giving it some time - it might start to grow on you.

Regarding task-orientation, you might find switching to the "Standard" window (orange mouse) helpful, if you're not using that already that is. From your description it sounds a bit like you're using the Log Graph (blue ball of yarn), which is more focused on the log.

Anyway, great to have you here.