git-mergetool
git-mergetool is a command-line tool provided by the Git version control system. It is designed to assist users in resolving merge conflicts that occur when integrating changes from different branches or commits. Here's an in-depth look at this utility:
Overview
- Purpose: git-mergetool automates the process of using external merge tools to resolve conflicts. It launches a graphical or text-based merge tool for each file with conflicts, allowing users to manually merge changes.
- Functionality: This tool does not automatically resolve conflicts but prepares the environment for manual conflict resolution by invoking a merge tool specified in the gitconfig file or passed as an argument.
History and Development
- git-mergetool was introduced as part of Git to simplify the often complex task of conflict resolution, making it more accessible to users who might find command-line conflict resolution daunting.
- The tool has evolved with Git, incorporating user feedback to improve usability and support for various merge tools over time.
Usage
- When conflicts arise during a git merge, git-mergetool can be invoked manually or automatically (if set up in the gitconfig).
- It supports numerous external merge tools like KDiff3, meld, diffmerge, vimdiff, and more, allowing users to choose their preferred interface for conflict resolution.
- Users can configure default merge tools and settings through gitconfig options, specifying tool paths, command lines, and trust settings.
Configuration
- Setting a Default Tool: Users can set a default merge tool with commands like
git config --global merge.tool kdiff3.
- Customizing Tool Behavior: Additional configuration can be done to specify how each tool behaves, like setting up trust levels for merging without manual inspection.
External Links
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