Git configuration settings control how Git behaves on your system, such as your username, email, editor, and more. Knowing how to check these settings is essential for troubleshooting, customizing your workflow, or verifying your identity on commits.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to view your Git configuration at different levels and interpret the results.
Understanding Git Configuration Levels
Git settings can be configured at three scopes:
| Level | Applies To | Command Option |
|---|---|---|
| System | All users on the machine | --system |
| Global | Your user account (all repos) | --global |
| Local | The current Git repository only | (no option needed) |
Step 1: View All Git Configuration
To see all settings Git is using, run:
git config --list
This shows a combined list from all config levels, with later settings overriding earlier ones.
Step 2: Check Specific Configuration Levels
- Local repository settings (inside a repo):
git config --local --list
- Global user settings (your account):
git config --global --list
- System-wide settings (all users):
git config --system --list
⚠️ Note: You may need admin/root permissions to view system settings.
Step 3: View a Specific Config Key
To check a particular setting, like your username or email:
git config user.name
git config user.email
For global scope explicitly:
git config --global user.name
Step 4: Check Git Config File Locations
You can also directly open the config files:
- Local:
.git/configin your repository folder - Global:
~/.gitconfigor~/.config/git/config - System: depends on your OS (e.g.,
/etc/gitconfig)
Bonus: Editing Git Config
To edit global config in your default text editor:
git config --global --edit
This opens the config file for manual changes.
Summary
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| List all config | git config --list |
| List local config | git config --local --list |
| List global config | git config --global --list |
| Show specific key | git config <key> (e.g., user.email) |
| Edit global config | git config --global --edit |
Why Check Git Config?
- Confirm your identity for commits
- Ensure Git uses the correct editor or merge tool
- Troubleshoot Git behavior or authentication issues
Mastering Git configuration inspection helps you maintain smooth and personalized version control workflows.
