Git Extensions vs Git LFS: What are the differences?

Introduction

Git Extensions and Git LFS are both tools used in conjunction with Git for managing and versioning files. While they both serve similar purposes, there are distinct differences between the two.

1. File Storage: Git Extensions is primarily used for managing the source code of a project, whereas Git LFS (Large File Storage) is specifically designed for tracking and storing large files such as media files, graphics, and other non-textual assets. Git LFS replaces large files with text pointers, allowing for faster and more efficient cloning and fetching of repositories.

2. Storage Size: Git Extensions stores all files within the local repository, increasing the overall size of the repository. In contrast, Git LFS stores large files externally, reducing the size of the repository. This reduces the time required to clone or fetch the repository and minimizes the impact on storage resources.

3. File Tracking: Git Extensions tracks changes to all files within the repository, regardless of size. On the other hand, Git LFS specifically tracks changes to large files that are managed using Git LFS, while other files are tracked as regular Git files. This ensures that only large files are managed using Git LFS, optimizing the performance of the repository.

4. Configuration: Git Extensions requires minimal additional configuration to start using, as it is integrated directly into Git. Git LFS, on the other hand, requires installation and configuration of an additional extension to Git. This involves setting up Git LFS on each local machine and configuring the repositories to use Git LFS.

5. Compatibility: Git Extensions can be used with any Git hosting service that supports the Git protocol. Git LFS, on the other hand, requires the hosting service to have Git LFS support enabled. Not all hosting services support Git LFS out of the box, so it may require additional setup steps or alternative hosting options.

6. Workflow Integration: Git Extensions integrates seamlessly with Git and supports all Git operations and workflows without any additional steps. Git LFS, on the other hand, requires specific commands or flags to be used for managing large files, such as pushing or pulling them using Git LFS. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the workflow, specifically for large files.

In summary, Git Extensions is a versatile tool for managing source code, while Git LFS is specifically designed for efficient tracking and storing of large files. Git Extensions stores files within the repository, while Git LFS stores large files externally. Git LFS requires additional configuration and compatibility considerations compared to Git Extensions.