GitHub Desktop vs GitHub Mobile vs Visual Studio Code vs command line
Verdict: New to Git: GitHub Desktop for a GUI. Reviewing on the move: GitHub Mobile. Editing code: Visual Studio Code. Desktop downloads and commits; the editor only edits; the command line does everything manually.
| Criterion | GitHub Desktop | GitHub Mobile | Visual Studio Code | Command line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows and macOS desktop app | Android and iOS phone app | Desktop code editor | Terminal on any OS |
| Best for | Beginners; GUI simplifies Git commands and visualises changes | Triaging notifications and reviewing pull requests from anywhere | Making source code changes | Full manual control of every Git command |
| Signature capability | Check out a pull request to run its checks without a browser | Verify sign-in attempts on unrecognised devices; edit files in a pull request | Edit project files | Run any Git command directly |
| Role in the workflow | Download repo and create a branch, then commit and push | On-the-go review and triage | The edit step between the two Desktop steps | Alternative to Desktop for all steps |
Rules
- Choose GitHub Desktop when new to Git: its graphical interface simplifies commands and helps visualise changes, easier than the command line.
- Choose GitHub Desktop to check out a pull request and run its checks without opening a browser.
- Choose GitHub Mobile to manage and triage notifications and read, review, and collaborate on issues and pull requests from a phone.
- GitHub Mobile can verify sign-in attempts on unrecognised devices as a trusted first-party client.
- The documented Desktop workflow: download the repo and create a branch in Desktop, make changes in an editor such as Visual Studio Code, then return to Desktop to commit and push.
Traps
- Visual Studio Code only edits source files; it does not simplify Git commands or triage notifications.
- Editing a file directly inside an open pull request is a GitHub Mobile capability, not GitHub Desktop.