GitHub 101

What is GitHub?

A quick intro — no jargon. Ready for commands? Go to the CLI.

What is it?

Google Drive for code. Git tracks every version, so you can rewind and collaborate safely.

Why bother?

  • Save points for your work.
  • Show real projects to recruiters.
  • Collaborate via pull requests.
  • Learn by reading real code.
0 / 70%

1. Get set up on GitHub

Create your account and install the tools you'll need on your computer.

  1. Make a GitHub account

    Go to github.com and sign up. Pick a username you're happy to show off — it becomes part of every project URL.

    Example
    https://github.com/your-username

  2. Install Git

    Git is the tool that tracks your code. Download it from git-scm.com, then open a terminal.

    Example
    git --version

  3. Tell Git who you are

    Set your name and email so every commit is signed by you.

    Example
    git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

2. Make your first repo

Turn any folder into a Git project and save your first snapshot.

  1. Start your first repo

    Inside a project folder, run git init. Git will start tracking every file you add.

    Example
    git init

  2. Save your first snapshot

    Stage your files, then commit with a short message that describes what you did.

    Example
    git add .
git commit -m "first commit"

3. Share it with the world

Push your project to GitHub and keep going from there.

  1. Push it to GitHub

    Create an empty repo on GitHub, copy its URL, link it, and push. You're live.

    Example
    git remote add origin <url>
git push -u origin main

  2. Repeat & branch out

    Every change: add, commit, push. Try git branch feature to work safely, then merge back to main.

    Example
    git branch feature
git checkout feature
Tip: do one step at a time. Your progress is saved in this browser.