Do you have to install Git separately from GitHub for Mac?

Question

I am a novice coder and I write a blog about learning to program aimed at journalists.

Learning the basics of how to use a version control system was one of the best things I learned this year, and I am now writing a tutorial about it.

Here is my question:

Do you have to install Git separately from Github's graphical client, GitHub for Mac? If it's possible to avoid command-line operations, I may choose to write the tutorial just focusing on downloading and installing GitHub for Mac and walking the user through the process of making new repos, forking, rolling back, etc.

Answer 1

Yes, if you want to do any git stuff on the command line, you'll need to install it. You'll especially want to do it because Github for Mac doesn't let you do everything you need to out of the box. For example you can't do a push without commit everything which can be annoying if you need to push a feature quickly without branching. Also, it is good for learnings!

You'll find an easy shortcut to install it under the "Github" menu: "Install Command Line Utility..."

Answer 2

You now can, (May 2013) install git directly from "GitHub for Mac"

See the blog "Installing Git from GitHub for Mac", you can install only the GUI, or the GUI and a regular git CLI (Command-Line Interface)

you can now easily install Git for use on the command line, without needing to download any separate packages.

When there is a new release of git, you don't have to do anything:

And whenever we update the version of Git included with GitHub for Mac, you'll get the changes automatically – no work required on your part!

There is a new "Advanced" option:

you may notice some changes to the Preferences window.
On the newly renamed "Advanced" tab, simply click "Install Command Line Tools".

You'll be prompted for an administrator password so that Git can be installed into /usr/local/bin, and then you should very shortly see that it succeeded: