I want to use Git via macports instead of Apple Git

Question

I'd like to use the latest version Git via macports instead of Apple Git. But when I type git --version on terminal app, it displays Apple Git version.

Could you tell me how to use the latest version git on Mac?

Answer 1

I assume that you have xCode and macports installed and properly working. In order to use macports git first you have to install it:

sudo port install git

And then add this line to your to .profile file in your home directory:

export PATH=/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:$PATH

Something like this echo "export PATH=/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:$PATH" >> $HOME/.profile" should do it.

As a last step you must source the .profile or .bash_profile for these changes to take effect like this: source $HOME/.profile.

To summarize, open the terminal on MacOSX and type:

$ sudo port install git
$ echo "export PATH=/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:$PATH" >> $HOME/.profile
$ source .profile
$ which git
/opt/local/bin/git

Every time you load the shell the MacPorts path should be available. In case this doesn't work, try using .bash_profile or .bashrc to save the environment $PATH variable.

Answer 2

It's now 2022 and my Mac is using zsh. I wanted to use MacPorts to update git to latest version instead of using Apple Git. I do not use Homebrew.

% git --version
git version 2.30.1 (Apple Git-130)

%which git
/usr/bin/git

% port contents git
Port git is not installed.

So clearly, my computer is using Apple Git. I need to update MacPorts and install git

% sudo port selfupdate 
// macports updates

% sudo port install git
// macports installs git

% port contents git
// now lots of files get listed

However, at this point, my computer is still using Apple Git.

% git --version
git version 2.30.1 (Apple Git-130)

%which git
/usr/bin/git

So now I just need to update my ".zshrc" file by adding a new PATH for MacPorts git. MacPorts puts things in "/opt/local/bin", so we need to let our shell know that. Edit the .zshrc with vim (or vi or pico)

% vim ~/.zshrc

With the editor open, add these lines (in there somewhere, just find a good spot [make sure there are no other Git related PATH additions])

# PATH for MacPorts git install
export PATH=/opt/local/bin:/opt/local/sbin:$PATH

Save the file.

At this point, I would suggest just rebooting your console session (you don't need to reboot machine). Alternatively, you could type this line in the console...

source .zshrc

At this point, if all has gone well, you should now be using the latest Git.

% git --version
git version 2.35.3
% which git
/opt/local/bin/git

Luck be with you!