Global vs local configuration in Git - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the difference between global and local configuration in Git?

Global configuration applies settings to all repositories for a user on a machine, while local configuration applies settings only to a specific repository.

beginner

How do you set your user name globally in Git?

Use the command: git config --global user.name "Your Name" to set your user name for all repositories.

beginner

How do you check the local Git configuration for a repository?

Run git config --local --list inside the repository folder to see local settings.

intermediate

If a setting exists in both global and local Git configurations, which one takes effect?

The local configuration overrides the global configuration for that repository.

intermediate

Where are Git global and local configuration files stored?

Global config is stored in ~/.gitconfig (user home directory). Local config is stored in .git/config inside the repository folder.

Which command sets a Git configuration only for the current repository?

A git config --local user.email "[e-mail]"

B git config --global user.email "[e-mail]"

C git config --system user.email "[e-mail]"

D git config --all user.email "[e-mail]"

The --local flag sets configuration only for the current repository.

Where is the global Git configuration file located?

A .git/config

B /etc/gitconfig

C ~/.gitconfig

D /usr/local/gitconfig

The global config file is stored in the user's home directory as ~/.gitconfig.

If a Git setting is defined both globally and locally, which setting is used when working in that repository?

A Global setting

B Local setting

C System setting

D The first one set

Local settings override global settings for that repository.

What does the command git config --list show by default?

A All configuration including system, global, and local

B Only global configuration

C Only local configuration

D Only system configuration

It shows all Git configuration levels combined.

Which Git configuration level applies settings for all users on a system?

A Local

B Global

C User

D System

System configuration applies to all users on the machine.

Explain the difference between Git global and local configuration and when you would use each.

Think about settings that apply everywhere vs. settings for one project.

Describe how Git decides which configuration to use if the same setting exists in multiple places.

Consider the scope of each config level.