Introduction to Git and GitHub

Git is the most popular version control system, which is a DevOps tool used to handle source code changes in software projects of all sizes. It is a free and open-source version control system that allows multiple developers to work together on the same project.

Features of Git

-Free and open source

-Creates Backups

-Track history

-Distributed Development

In the world of coding, it has become mandatory to know how to use Git, and it’s the most preferred skill acquired by developers.

The most common misconception about Git and GitHub is that they are the same, but the answer is no. Git is a version control system that helps to keep track of computer programs and files and the changes made over time.

GitHub, on the other hand, is a website that hosts a Git server program to store the code. The developers can manage and store code, and at the same time, they can control code changes.

Git can be used without GitHub, but GitHub can’t be used without Git.

How to Use Git

In this section of the article, we are going to learn how to use Git. Follow the steps mentioned below to get started using Git.

Step 1-Create a GitHub Account.

-The very first step to getting started with Git is to create an account on GitHub.com (It’s free to use).

-Pick a username (e.g., novonew123).

-Fill email address and password

-Verify (you are not a robot) by solving the captcha puzzle.

-Click sign up for GitHub.

A GitHub account has been successfully created. 

Step 2- Create a New Repository

A repository is a place or container where something is stored. The Git repository is the place to store codes.

After signing up, now it’s time to create a Git repository for storing code.

-Log in and browse the GitHub home page.

-To create a new repository, select New repository from the + sign drop-down menu.

-Give the repository a name, such as "Demo," and then click Create Repository.

-Finally, here is the first repository on GitHub.com.

Step 3- Create a File

-Once a repository is created, just focus on the section that starts "or create a new repository on the command line," and ignore the rest for now.

-Open the Terminal program on the computer.

-Write "git" and press Enter.

-If it shows the command bash: git: command not found, then install Git with the command for the Linux operating system or distribution.

-Type git and hit enter to check the Git installation.

-if it is successfully installed, it will show a bunch of information about how to use commands.

-In the terminal, type mkdir Demo

This command will create a directory named Demo.

-Change terminal to the Demo directory with the command

cd Demo

Then enter:

echo "#Demo" >> README.md

This will create a file named README.md and writes #Demo in it.

-To check that the file was created successfully, enter:                                                       

cat README.md

-Here it will show what is inside the README.md file if the file was created correctly.

-To confirm with the system that Demo is a directory managed by the Git program, enter:

git add README.md

Step 4-Create a Commit

After creating the file and informing Git about it, now it’s time to create a commit. Commit is considered a landmark.

Every time after accomplishing any task, the Git commit command is used to store that version of the file. Later, this aids in visualizing previous files and allows viewing of all file versions.

As the work progresses, each file will have some changes, these changes will create a new version of the original file that will be different from the previous one.

-For Commit command, enter:

git commit -m "first commit"

This command helps in creating a Git commit that contains a message that states "first commit." To keep track what all the changes made to the first file and to identify a commit it’s important to write a message in commit.

A Git log (the list of commits) or commit history provides information about all the changes that have been made to the original file.

Step 5- Connect GitHub repo with the Computer

-After creating a commit, it’s time to establish a connection between the computer and GitHub with the command:

git remote add origin https://github.com//Demo.git 

Here, the above-mentioned command is for telling the git to add a remote called "origin" (instead of "origin," anything can be mentioned), with the address https://github.com//Demo.git, this is the URL of the Git repo on GitHub.com.

-This permits interaction with Git repositories created on GitHub.com. Git will send the code simply by typing the origin; no need to type the full URL.

-Now, the local copy of the Demo repository is connected with its remote counterpart on GitHub.com.

-After adding a remote, codes can be pushed (i.e., uploaded to our README.md file) to GitHub.com.

We've successfully created a GitHub repository, connected GitHub to a computer, and uploaded a file from the computer to the Demo GitHub repository on GitHub.com.

 Takeaway

The article gives a clear idea about how to use git with GitHub. GitHub plays a major role in promoting open-source projects by providing a free software development ecosystem for developers.

This git step-by-step tutorial introduces inexperienced developers to fundamental Git commands. The benefit of using Git is that it promotes flexible teamwork and improves workflow.

Git is one of the DevOps tools used by software development and delivery teams to test codes more efficiently. To learn about DevOps tools, you can take up the DevOps Certification Training offered by Sprintzeal and earn a certification that’ll enhance your career.

For details about certifications, training, and other queries, reach out to us at Click Here or chat with us, and our course experts will get to you.

Git Frequently Asked Questions

What is Git?

Git is an open-source distributed version control system. The system allows developers to store, visualize, and keep track of versions and changes in a project's development.

What is GitHub?

GitHub is owned by Microsoft, which hosts online Git repositories. It allows developers to share their Git repository online with other developers or their team, or to get access to it remotely.

GitHub allows users to host a public repository for free.

How to install Git?

To use Git, it should be installed on the computer. The latest version can be downloaded from the official website.

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