> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://authentic-developer.gitbook.io/version-control-git/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://authentic-developer.gitbook.io/version-control-git/getting-started/installation.md).

# Installation

Before you start using **Git**, you have to make it available on your computer. Even if it’s already installed, it’s probably a good idea to update to the latest version. You can either install it as a package or via another installer, or download the source code and compile it yourself.

### How to install Git on any OS ?

Git can be installed on the most common operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. In fact, Git comes installed by default on most Mac and Linux machines!

### Checking for Git : 

To see if you already have Git installed, open up your terminal application.

* If you're on a Mac, look for a command prompt application called "Terminal".
* If you're on a Windows machine, open the windows command prompt or "Git Bash".

Once you've opened your terminal application, type `git version`. The output will either tell you which version of Git is installed, or it will alert you that `git` is an unknown command. If it's an unknown command, read further and find out how to install Git.