Fixing issue in macOS where git stops working after updating R

[ernestguevarra]

Recently, we have encountered issues of students using macOS machines not being able to use git from RStudio. This has been noted after updating the version of R in their machines. In some cases, this was noted after updating the macOS version of their machines (similar issues here - https://community.rstudio.com/t/rstudio-ide-not-finding-git-after-macos-update/3187).

It is likely that the main issue is the updating of macOS and that the updating of the R version is just coincidental. And the main recommended fix to this issue is to re-install the Command Line Tools (CLT) for macOS. There are many ways to do this but the most consistent and straightforward way is to update and install via the terminal.

1. Open RStudio

2. Click on the Terminal tab (the tab beside the R console). If this tab is not showing in your RStudio, click on the Tools tab on RStudio, then select Terminal in the dropdown menu, and then select New Terminal in the next dropdown menu. This should now show a Terminal tab on RStudio.

3. On the Terminal, issue/type the following command:

xcode-select —install

and then press enter.

The installation process for the Command Line Tools should now proceed. Accept all prompts as you would when installing any software in macOS.

4. After the installation, close RStudio.

5. Then re-open RStudio and test that git is working via RStudio by going to a git-based project and then making a commit and pushing to your remote repository.

cc: @OxfordIHTM/class-2024

[mercedesrumi]

Thank you Ernest! I did not have my MacOS updated at the beginning.
(I had to add a double dash to the command because for me it was not working with one, as follows: xcode-select --install )
When I add it to Terminal, I get this message "xcode-select: error: command line tools are already installed, use "Software Update" in System Settings to install updates Mercedess-MacBook-Air:rstats-exercise mercedesrumi$"
So I updated the MacOS, and updated all the packages update.packages(ask = FALSE), but still I am not able to connect to GitHub. I will continue exploring why but if you have an idea of what the problem might be that would be very useful too :).
Thanks!
Mercedes