Minimal Bash Prompt with Git + Python Virtualenv

A small, fast, and readable Bash prompt that shows:

• 🐍 Active Python virtual environment (with version)
• 🌿 Git branch + status (clean vs dirty)
• Clean two-line layout when needed
• Zero dependencies beyond standard Git tools

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Features

• Git integration

  • Branch name
  • Clean (green) vs dirty (orange) state

• Python virtualenv awareness

  • Shows env name + Python version
  • Disables default venv prompt override

• Smart layout

  • Single line when idle
  • Expands to two lines when Git or venv is active

• Lightweight

  • Pure Bash, no frameworks

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Requirements

• Bash
• Git (with git-sh-prompt, usually included)

On most systems, the Git prompt script is located at:

/usr/lib/git-core/git-sh-prompt

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Installation

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/hwblx/prompt_gv.git
cd prompt_gv

Add this line to your ~/.bashrc:

source /path/to/prompt_gv.sh

Then reload your shell:

source ~/.bashrc

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Quick Test (recommended)

Run a clean Bash session:

bash --noprofile --norc

Then load the prompt:

source ./prompt_gv.sh

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What it looks like

In a clean directory

user@folder$

Inside a Git repo (clean)

(🌿 main)
user@repo$

Inside a Git repo (dirty)

(🌿 main*)
user@repo$

With Python virtualenv

(🐍 venv 3.11.2)
user@project$

Combined

(🐍 venv 3.11.2) (🌿 main*)
user@project$

Git Prompt Indicators Explained

Symbol	Meaning
*	Unstaged changes in working directory
+	Staged changes ready to commit
?	Untracked files present
!	Stashed changes (if enabled)
↑n	Branch is n commits ahead of upstream
↓n	Branch is n commits behind upstream
=	Branch is equal (in sync) with upstream
#	No HEAD (fresh repository)
%	Repo has untracked files (fresh repository)

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Configuration

The prompt uses Git’s built-in __git_ps1 with:

GIT_PS1_SHOWDIRTYSTATE=true
GIT_PS1_SHOWUNTRACKEDFILES=true
GIT_PS1_SHOWUPSTREAM="auto"
GIT_PS1_SHOWCOLORHINTS=true

You can tweak these in prompt.sh.

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Notes

• The script must be sourced, not executed:

  source prompt_gv.sh

• Designed for Bash only

• Tested on Linux environments

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Customization Ideas

• Change colors (ANSI codes in script)
• Replace icons (🐍, branch symbol)
• Add exit status or execution time
• Add Kubernetes / Docker context

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Troubleshooting

No Git info showing

Make sure:

type __git_ps1

If not found, verify the path to git-sh-prompt.

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Prompt not updating

Check:

echo $PROMPT_COMMAND

Should output:

set_prompt

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Acknowledgements

• Git’s __git_ps1 prompt helper
• Inspired by minimal prompt setups and developer workflows