If Linux compatibility issues are unacceptable, consider these applications:
Create, merge, and switch branches visually.
echo "fs.inotify.max_user_watches=524288" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf sudo sysctl -p github desktop on linux
While GitHub does not officially support GitHub Desktop on Linux, you can install high-quality, community-maintained versions (forks) that work exactly like the official app.
Several third-party clients offer a similar experience to GitHub Desktop on Linux. Some popular alternatives include: Some popular alternatives include: The Electron version of
The Electron version of GitHub Desktop is a cross-platform alternative that can run on Linux. You can install it using the following methods:
The most reliable way to stay updated is by adding the package repository. GitHub Desktop documentation If Linux compatibility issues are unacceptable
| Feature | Windows/macOS (Official) | Linux (shiftkey build) | |---------|--------------------------|-------------------------| | Clone, commit, push, pull, fetch | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | Branch management | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | Merge conflict editor | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | Stashing changes | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | GitHub authentication (OAuth) | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | External editor integration | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | Shell integration (launch from CLI) | ✅ Full | ✅ Partial (manual path) | | Auto-updater | ✅ Full | ❌ (use package manager) | | Repository stats (contributors graph) | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | | Dark mode (system theme) | ✅ Full | ✅ Full (respects GTK/KDE theme) | | Drag-and-drop from file manager | ✅ Full | ⚠️ Varies by desktop environment | | SSH agent integration | ✅ Full | ✅ Full (if ssh-agent running) |
This fork is nearly identical to the official version and supports core features like: