To install the Azure Git credential.helper on RHEL 8, you can use the following command to set it up for your Git configuration:
git config --global credential.helper manager-core
Understanding Git Credential Helper
What is a Git Credential Helper?
A Git Credential Helper is a utility designed to manage your Git credentials conveniently. It minimizes the need for repeated username and password prompts when interacting with remote repositories. Credential helpers store credentials securely so that you can perform Git operations without constant re-authentication. This is especially handy when working with multiple repositories, as it streamlines your workflow significantly.
Benefits of Using Azure Git Credential Helper
Integrating the Azure Git Credential Helper with your Git setup not only simplifies your life but also enhances your overall security. Here are some advantages:
- Integration with Azure DevOps: Seamlessly interact with Azure DevOps repositories without manual credential entry.
- Convenience: Automates the process of storing and retrieving credentials, allowing you to focus on coding rather than authentication.
- Security: Credentials are stored in a protected manner, thereby reducing the risk of exposure.
Prerequisites
System Requirements
Before you dive into the installation, ensure you have RHEL8 installed and updated. Additionally, you should have Git installed on your system.
Installing Git on RHEL8 (if not already installed)
To confirm if Git is installed, simply run:
git --version
If Git is not installed, use the following command to install it via DNF:
sudo dnf install git
Installing Azure Git Credential Helper
Step 1: Install Required Packages
Before proceeding with the installation, you need some dependencies. Install them with the command:
sudo dnf install gcc make
This command installs `gcc` (the GNU Compiler Collection) and `make` (a build automation tool), both of which are critical for compiling the credential helper.
Step 2: Download the Azure Git Credential Helper
Next, you need to download the Azure Git Credential Helper from the official GitHub repository. Use the following command to fetch the required files via `curl`:
curl -L https://github.com/Azure/azure-devops-cli-extension/archive/refs/heads/main.zip -o azure-devops-cli.zip
Step 3: Extract the Downloaded Archive
Once the download is complete, you will need to unzip the archive to access the files:
unzip azure-devops-cli.zip
cd azure-devops-cli-extension-main/
This will navigate you into the directory containing the necessary files to install the credential helper.
Step 4: Install Azure Git Credential Helper
To install the Azure Git Credential Helper, run the command:
make install
This command builds and installs the helper. After this process completes, you can confirm that the installation was successful by checking the version:
git credential-helper --version
Configuring Azure Git Credential Helper
Setting Up Your Azure DevOps Account
If you haven't already registered for an Azure DevOps account, now is the time to do so. Setting this up is crucial as it links your Azure account with your Git operations.
Configuring Git to Use the Credential Helper
To enable Git to utilize the credential helper, configure it using the following command:
git config --global credential.helper azure
This command sets the credential helper globally, meaning it will apply to all repositories on your machine, thus saving you the hassle of configuring individual repositories.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Unable to Locate Package Error
If you encounter an "unable to locate package" error during installation, it often indicates a problem with dependencies. Check and ensure that your system's package manager is updated:
sudo dnf update
Then, re-attempt the installation of required packages.
Authentication Issues
If you face authentication issues after installing the credential helper, you can test your credentials by attempting a simple Git command, such as:
git push
If you are prompted for your username and password after setting up the credential helper, this might indicate a configuration issue. Double-check your Git config settings to ensure the credential helper is correctly set up.
Conclusion
Installing the Azure Git Credential Helper on RHEL8 provides significant advantages in security and efficiency for your development workflow. By following the steps outlined, you have successfully installed and configured the helper to make your interactions with Azure DevOps smooth and secure. As a next step, feel free to explore more Git commands and features that can further enhance your productivity.
Further Resources
For more information, consult the official Azure documentation on Git and credential management. You can also find helpful tutorials and advanced guides that delve into other Git functionalities to expand your skills. Staying updated on Git and Azure developments will ensure you make the most out of your Git experience.
