The podcast discusses the features of GitKraken Git client and the experience of working on it with Justin Roberts and Eric Amodio. They also talk about GitLens for VS Code and the evolution of Git clients for better user experience. Topics include optimizing development workflow, cloud workspaces, and enhancements in the graph component of GitKraken.
GitKraken prioritizes user experience over just exposing Git functions, with features like Azure DevOps integration.
GitKraken aims for cross-platform user-friendly design, emphasizing aesthetics like dark mode.
Gitkraken actively incorporates user feedback for product improvement, introducing features like Cloud Patches for code collaboration.
Deep dives
Focus on User Experience and Continuous Improvement
Gitkracken distinguishes itself by continuously refining what a Git client should be, prioritizing the user experience over just exposing Git functions. The team invests significant effort into making Git easier to use and enhancing the user experience, beyond basic functionality. Users appreciate features like integration with Azure DevOps and GitHub, creating, jumping to, and managing pull requests directly from the client.
Evolution of Gitkracken and Design Emphasis
Gitkracken's evolution since its inception in 2015 reflects a deliberate focus on creating a Git client that is cross-platform and user-friendly. The development journey aimed to provide a client that offers a seamless user experience across Windows, Linux, and Mac systems. Notably, aesthetics play a significant role, as Gitkracken's dark mode and visually appealing GUI have contributed to its popularity.
Accessibility and Feedback Integration in Development
The Gitkracken team acknowledges the importance of accessibility and actively listens to user feedback to enhance the product's usability. Efforts are underway to improve keyboard navigation, accessibility features, and responsiveness to user suggestions. The team's commitment to incorporating feedback and refining features aligns with their goal of meeting developers' needs and preferences across various working environments, including IDEs, desktop clients, CLI, and web browsers.
Cloud Patches for Collaborating on Code
Cloud patches introduced in the podcast provide a way to share code snippets for collaboration without the noise of pushing branches to the main repository. It allows developers to share code with others for review or feedback privately, streamlining the code sharing process. Cloud patches offer an opportunity for early collaboration on code, enabling developers to discuss and refine code structures before merging them, leading to better pull requests and faster problem resolution.
The Importance of Communication between Developers and Designers
The podcast emphasizes the significance of communication between developers and designers throughout the development process. By promoting early collaboration between the two groups, products can benefit from a smoother development cycle and improved outcomes. Bridging the gap between design and development encourages designers to understand the challenges developers face and vice versa, fostering a more integrated and efficient workflow. Encouraging cross-functional teams that work together rather than in silos can result in better product outcomes and facilitate a shared understanding of priorities and challenges.
In this episode, I was joined by Justin Roberts and Eric Amodio to chat about the GitKraken Git client. We chatted about its features, and also what it’s been like working on it. We also spoke about the GitLens VS Code client.
Justin is the Senior Director of Product at GitKraken, and has been leading the design of the GitKraken Git Client. Eric is the CTO, and also the creator of GitLens for VS Code, and previously a VS Code developer at Microsoft.
