# Running git gui on Windows.

3 messages from 2008-07-27 to 2008-07-27. Participants: Jurko Gospodnetić, Shawn O. Pearce.
Thread: https://gitlist.dev/t/14705

## Jurko Gospodnetić, 2008-07-27 13:48

Subject: Running git gui on Windows.
Message-ID: <g6hubi$8op$1@ger.gmane.org>
URL: https://gitlist.dev/e/g6hubi%248op%241%40ger.gmane.org

```
   Hi.

   Is there a way to run git gui on Windows so it does not block the 
calling process?

   For example, when I run 'git gui' from the Windows Command Prompt, I 
would like to be able to continue using that same command prompt and not 
have it blocked until I exit the started git gui process.

   I am using msysgit on Windows XP SP3 and 'git --version' states 'git 
version 1.5.6.1.1071.g76fb'.

   Many thanks.

   Best regards,
     Jurko Gospodnetić

```

## Jurko Gospodnetić, 2008-07-27 13:55

Subject: Re: Running git gui on Windows.
Message-ID: <g6huoj$9rh$1@ger.gmane.org>
URL: https://gitlist.dev/e/g6huoj%249rh%241%40ger.gmane.org
In-Reply-To: <g6hubi$8op$1@ger.gmane.org>

```
   Hi.

>   Is there a way to run git gui on Windows so it does not block the 
> calling process?
> 
>   For example, when I run 'git gui' from the Windows Command Prompt, I 
> would like to be able to continue using that same command prompt and not 
> have it blocked until I exit the started git gui process.
> 
>   I am using msysgit on Windows XP SP3 and 'git --version' states 'git 
> version 1.5.6.1.1071.g76fb'.

   I now realized my question did not say exactly what I intended it to. 
I know I can start 'git gui' using:

   start "" /b cmd /c git gui

   from the command prompt and get the desired effect. I was wondering 
why git gui does not do this in the first place and whether it could be 
modified so that this is the default behaviour?

   Best regards,
     Jurko Gospodnetić

```

## Shawn O. Pearce, 2008-07-27 15:02

Subject: Re: Running git gui on Windows.
Message-ID: <20080727150244.GA7687@spearce.org>
URL: https://gitlist.dev/e/20080727150244.GA7687%40spearce.org
In-Reply-To: <g6huoj$9rh$1@ger.gmane.org>

```
Jurko Gospodnetiii <jurko.gospodnetic@docte.hr> wrote:
>>   Is there a way to run git gui on Windows so it does not block the  
>> calling process?

In traditional UNIX shells this is "git gui &", requesting that the
shell background the process, but still monitor it for exit status.
On Windows there is no such easy concept.

>   I now realized my question did not say exactly what I intended it to.  
> I know I can start 'git gui' using:
>
>   start "" /b cmd /c git gui
>
>   from the command prompt and get the desired effect. I was wondering  
> why git gui does not do this in the first place and whether it could be  
> modified so that this is the default behaviour?

git-gui and gitk won't automatically background themselves, as they
are primarily developed on UNIX and have a UNIX like interface to
them, including backgrounding behavior.

We could add a -f flag to git-gui, such that "git gui -f" causes it
to fork+exec a new wish process, completely disconnecting it from the
calling shell.  (-f stolen from OpenSSH's ssh -f host xterm example)
I'd accept a patch for it, but its not high on my list of things to
write and debug myself.

-- 
Shawn.

```