Why wrapping around the git command instead of C API?

[dclong]

GitPython is essentially a wrapper around the git command. Why doesn't it call the corresponding C APIs?

[Byron]

Back in 2008 at its inception there was no libgit2 or there were no libgit2 bindings I presume, so it started out wrapping the git command.
When I started getting into it I worked with what's there, leveraging the git program wherever possible.

For many GitPython is just a fancy git command wrapper, which seems to be much of its appeal. Those who need plumbing are most certainly better off with libgit2 bindings alone - it's certainly a different difficulty level though.