How to Downgrade Git Version?

Sometimes, you might need to downgrade your Git version, whether due to compatibility issues with certain tools or projects, or the need to work with a specific feature set. While upgrading Git is straightforward, downgrading requires careful steps to ensure your system remains functional and your workflow isn’t disrupted.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to safely downgrade your Git version on popular operating systems, including Linux (Ubuntu), Windows, and macOS.

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Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you:

1. Back Up Your System: While downgrading Git is safe when done properly, it’s always a good practice to back up important files or system configurations.
2. Know Your Target Version: Identify the version you need by referring to the Git Release Notes.
3. Uninstall Existing Git Version: In most cases, you’ll need to remove the current version of Git before downgrading.

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How to Downgrade Git on Ubuntu (or Other Linux Distributions)

Step 1: Check Your Current Git Version

First, confirm the currently installed version of Git:

git --version

This will display the installed version, e.g., git version 2.40.0.

Step 2: Remove the Current Version

Uninstall Git from your system:

sudo apt remove git
sudo apt autoremove

Step 3: Install the Desired Git Version

1. Add the Required PPA (if applicable):
   If you need a specific version of Git, you may find it in an older repository or download it directly.
2. Download and Compile from Source:
   To install a specific version, you can compile Git from source.

• Install the necessary dependencies: sudo apt update sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev libcurl4-gnutls-dev libexpat1-dev gettext unzip
• Download the desired version from Git’s official website: wget https://github.com/git/git/archive/refs/tags/v2.x.y.zip Replace 2.x.y with the desired version.
• Extract the downloaded file and compile Git: unzip v2.x.y.zip cd git-2.x.y make prefix=/usr/local all sudo make prefix=/usr/local install

1. Verify the Installed Version:
   Once installed, verify the version:

   git --version

Step 4: Pin the Git Version (Optional)

To prevent Git from upgrading automatically during system updates, you can hold its package:

sudo apt-mark hold git

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How to Downgrade Git on Windows

Step 1: Check Your Current Version

Open a command prompt or Git Bash and run:

git --version

Step 2: Uninstall the Current Version

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program.
3. Select Git from the list and click Uninstall.

Step 3: Download the Older Version

Visit the Git for Windows Releases page and download the installer for the desired version.

Step 4: Install the Older Version

Run the downloaded installer and follow the setup instructions. After installation, verify the version using:

git --version

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How to Downgrade Git on macOS

Step 1: Check Your Current Version

Open the terminal and run:

git --version

Step 2: Uninstall the Current Version

If you installed Git using Homebrew, remove it with:

brew uninstall git

Step 3: Install a Specific Version

1. Find the Desired Version: Use Homebrew to check available versions:

   brew search git

2. Install the Desired Version: Use Homebrew to install a specific version. First, tap into the Git formula:

   brew tap-new git-old-releases

3. Download and Install: Use the formula or download the source code for compilation.

Step 4: Verify Installation

Once installed, confirm the version:

git --version

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Best Practices for Downgrading Git

1. Use Version Managers: Tools like git-fresh or package managers (e.g., Homebrew or APT) can simplify downgrading and version management.
2. Backup Configuration Files: If you have custom Git configurations (~/.gitconfig), back them up before downgrading.
3. Test the Downgraded Version: Verify that your workflows function correctly with the downgraded version.

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Conclusion

Downgrading Git can be necessary in specific scenarios, but it requires careful steps to ensure your environment remains stable. By following this guide, you can safely revert to an older Git version on Ubuntu, Windows, or macOS. Always verify compatibility and functionality after downgrading to ensure a seamless workflow.