Exploring the 'git var' Command (with examples)

The git var command in Git provides a way to access various logical variables associated with your Git environment. While git config is typically the preferred method to manage and look up configuration settings, git var remains a useful tool to quickly check the values of certain Git environment variables directly. Understanding the use and application of these variables can be particularly useful for developers who need to ensure their Git setup is correct, troubleshoot issues, or customize their workflow. Below, we delve into specific use cases to illustrate the functionality and relevance of the git var command.

Use case 1: Print the value of a Git logical variable

Code:

git var GIT_AUTHOR_IDENT|GIT_COMMITTER_IDENT|GIT_EDITOR|GIT_PAGER

Motivation:

This use case is essential for developers who want to verify specific environment variables directly related to Git’s identity settings and configuration. Whether you are a new developer setting up Git for the first time or an experienced professional troubleshooting or optimizing your Git setup, this command allows you to quickly view key variable values without navigating through configuration files. Knowing exact values can be critical for tasks such as validating your identity in commits, checking which editor Git invokes for messages, or confirming how commit logs are displayed.

Explanation:

• git var: This part of the command invokes the git var functionality, which fetches the value of specified logical variables related to the Git environment.
• GIT_AUTHOR_IDENT: This variable represents the author’s identity that is attached to commits. By printing this, you can verify the author name and email that will appear in commit records.
• GIT_COMMITTER_IDENT: Similar to GIT_AUTHOR_IDENT, this variable details the committer’s name and email associated with commits. It’s useful for checking the identity under which your commits are logged.
• GIT_EDITOR: This variable indicates the default editor invoked by Git when editing commit messages or performing commands that affect commit entries. Viewing this helps confirm or troubleshoot the text editor setup in Git.
• GIT_PAGER: This variable refers to the program used to page through long outputs from Git commands. By printing its value, you can check what pager is used, which aids in adjusting how you view long Git outputs.

Example output:

John Doe <john.doe@example.com> 1636135738 +0100

Jane Doe <jane.doe@example.com> 1636135738 +0100

vim

less

Use case 2: List all Git logical variables

Code:

git var -l

Motivation:

Listing all available Git logical variables can be highly beneficial when you are attempting to gain a comprehensive view of your Git environment configuration. This is particularly helpful when auditing configuration or setting up a new development environment. Being able to survey all available variables allows you to verify current settings, align them with organizational standards, or make adjustments to suit your workflow better. For users who are new to Git, this can also serve as a practical learning exercise to familiarize themselves with the internal environment setup.

Explanation:

• git var: This command is used to retrieve Git logical variables. The focus here is on understanding and reviewing the set variables within your Git setup.
• -l: This flag tells the git var command to list all logical variables available. It’s a toggle that broadens the scope from querying a single variable to showcasing every variable known to Git.

Example output:

GIT_AUTHOR_IDENT=John Doe <john.doe@example.com> 1636135738 +0100
GIT_COMMITTER_IDENT=Jane Doe <jane.doe@example.com> 1636135738 +0100
GIT_EDITOR=vim
GIT_PAGER=less
...

Conclusion:

The git var command, while less commonly used than git config, provides a direct and rapid means to access essential Git logical variables. Whether verifying your identity settings, understanding your Git editor setup, or exploring all available variables, these use cases highlight the command’s utility in various developmental and configuration scenarios. By integrating this into your workflow, you can attain greater transparency and control over your Git environment, ultimately leading to more efficient and informed software development practices.