setup

# Git Setup

Complete guidance for installing Git and performing essential initial configuration across Windows, macOS, Linux, and WSL environments.

## Table of Contents

- [Quick Start](#quick-start) - Windows, macOS, Linux
- [Platform Detection](#platform-detection) - Identify your platform
- [Installation Guides](#windows-installation) - Windows, macOS, Linux, WSL
- [Basic Configuration](#basic-configuration-all-platforms) - User identity, default branch, editor
- [Verification](#verification) - Test your Git installation
- [Configuration Files](#configuration-file-locations) - Where Git stores settings
- [Reference Loading](#reference-loading-guide) - How references are loaded
- [Next Steps](#next-steps) - Advanced configuration with other skills

## Overview

This skill helps you:

- Install Git using the best method for your platform
- Configure essential Git settings (user identity, default branch, editor)
- Verify your installation is working correctly
- Understand platform-specific considerations
- Get started quickly with recommended defaults

**For advanced configuration** (aliases, performance tuning, credential management, maintenance), see the **git-config** skill.

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

- Installing Git on a new development machine
- Setting up Git for the first time on any platform
- Configuring user identity and basic Git settings
- Verifying Git installation is working correctly
- Troubleshooting Git installation issues
- Understanding platform-specific Git installation options
- Setting up Git on Windows, macOS, Linux, or WSL

## Quick Start

**Fastest path to getting Git installed and configured:**

### Windows

```powershell
# Install Git
winget install --id Git.Git -e --source winget

# Configure identity
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
git config --global init.defaultBranch main

# Verify
git --version
```

### macOS

```bash
# Install Git
brew instal