I am using this: $(__git_ps1 '(%s)') It works however it does not update when I change directories or checkout a new branch. I also have this alias: alias reload='. ~/.bash_profile' Sample run: user@machine:~/dev/rails$cd git_folder/ user@machine:~/dev/rails/git_folder$reload user@machine:~/dev/rails/git_folder(test)$git checkout master Switched to branch 'master' user@machine:~/dev/rails/git_folder(test)$reload user@machine:~/dev/rails/git_folder(master)$ As you can see it is being set correctly but only if I reload bash_profile. I have wasted way to much time on this. I am using bash on snow leopard. Please help!