GETTING STARTED WITH GIT AND GITHUB
What is Git?
Git is a distributed version control system that allows you to track changes in your codebase, collaborate with others, and revert to previous versions if needed. It helps you keep track of who made what changes and when.
Installing Git
Before you can start using Git, you need to install it on your computer. Follow these steps to install Git:
Download Git: Visit the official Git website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
Install Git: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Verify Installation: Open a terminal or command prompt and type
git --version
. If Git is installed correctly, you should see the installed version displayed.
What is GitHub?
GitHub is a web-based platform built on top of Git that provides hosting for software development projects. It offers features such as code hosting, collaboration tools, and project management.
Creating a GitHub Account
To start using GitHub, you need to create an account. Follow these steps to create a GitHub account:
Visit GitHub: Go to github.com in your web browser.
Sign Up: Click on the "Sign up" button and follow the instructions to create your account. You'll need to provide a username, email address, and password.
Verify Email: Once you've signed up, GitHub will send you a verification email. Click on the link in the email to verify your account.
Choose a Plan: GitHub offers both free and paid plans. Choose the plan that best suits your needs.
Installing GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop is a graphical user interface (GUI) for Git that makes it easier to work with Git repositories. Follow these steps to install GitHub Desktop:
Download GitHub Desktop: Visit the GitHub Desktop website and download the installer for your operating system.
Install GitHub Desktop: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Sign in to GitHub: Open GitHub Desktop and sign in to your GitHub account.
Configure Git: GitHub Desktop will prompt you to configure Git. Follow the instructions to set up your identity (name and email address) for Git commits.
Congratulations! You've now installed Git, created a GitHub account, and installed GitHub Desktop. In the next section, we'll cover how to create a new Git repository and start collaborating with others.
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