Git and GitHub: A Beginner's Guide

Source: Dev.to

What is Git?

Git is a free, open‑source version‑control system that tracks every change you make to your files. Think of it as a “save system” that lets you keep multiple versions of your project.

Version control and its importance

Also known as source control or revision control, it is a system for tracking and managing files (especially code) over time.

Why is it essential?

• Safety net – Quickly roll back to a prior functional version if you make a mistake.
• Collaboration – Several people can work on the same files simultaneously; the system merges their modifications.
• Traceability – Every change is recorded with a timestamp, description, and author.
• Experimentation – Test new features without affecting the main project by creating a branch. If the branch succeeds, merge it; otherwise, discard it.

How to push code to GitHub

Step 1 – Create a local repository

git init

Check the status of the files you want to push:

git status

Files that are not yet tracked appear in red.

Add all files to the staging area:

git add .

Verify that the files are now staged (they appear in green):

git status

Commit the changes locally:

git commit -m "Project added"

Step 2 – Connect to the remote GitHub repository

Create a new repository on GitHub, copy its URL, then run:

git remote add origin <repository‑URL>

Step 3 – Push the code

git push origin master

You’ll be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account if you haven’t authenticated already.

Below is an example of the files as they appear on GitHub:

How to pull code from GitHub

Step 1 – Clone the repository

Navigate to the repository on GitHub, copy the HTTPS (or SSH) link, then run:

git clone <repository‑URL>

All commands above assume you are using a terminal (Git Bash, PowerShell, macOS Terminal, etc.) and that Git is already installed on your machine.

Step 1 – Open the Project Folder

cd Git-Assignment

Step 2 – Create a New Branch

git checkout -b update-name

Step 3 – Open the Repository in VS Code

code .

Add your changes, then check the status:

git add .
git status

Step 4 – Commit Your Changes

git commit -m "Brief description of what is changed"

Step 5 – Push the Branch & Open a Pull Request

1. Push the new branch to GitHub

   git push -u origin update-name

2. Navigate to your repository on GitHub and open a Pull Request.

Visual Guide

Opening the Project Folder

Creating a New Branch

Editing Files in VS Code

Opening a Pull Request

Tracking Changes with Git

Git works with three zones:

Common Command Sequence

# See what’s happening (red files are untracked or modified)
git status

# Stage changes
git add .          # or `git add <file>` for specific files

# Record a snapshot
git commit -m "Brief description of what is changed"

Key Takeaways

• git status is your best friend. Run it after every command to see which files are tracked, staged, or ignored.
• Use git add to move changes from the working directory to the staging area.
• Use git commit to create a permanent snapshot in the repository.
• Always create a new branch for a feature or fix, then open a Pull Request to merge it back.