Git and GitHub Basics

Introduction

• The speaker prefers a simple explanation of Git and GitHub, avoiding overcomplication.
• Aims to teach as if the audience is new to coding.

What is Git?

• Git is software that helps manage code.
• If you have a Mac or Linux, Git is pre-installed.
• Windows users need to download Git Bash.
• Knowing Git is essential for programming success.

Git as a Memory Card for Code

• Git functions like a memory card for saving code progress.
• Use Git to save work locally on your computer.
• Example files: index.html, app.css.
• Git allows you to revert to saved states if files are lost.

Basic Git Commands

1. Initialize a repository:
   • Command: git init
   • Initializes an empty Git repository.
2. Add changes:
   • Command: git add .
   • Save all changes since the last commit.
3. Commit changes:
   • Command: git commit -m "message"
   • Saves changes with a descriptive message.
4. View commit history:
   • Command: git log
   • Shows a log of all commits with timestamps and hash codes.
5. Checkout a commit:
   • Command: git checkout <commit_hash>
   • Reverts back to a previous commit.

What is GitHub?

• GitHub is a web-based platform for hosting code repositories.
• Similar platforms include Bitbucket and GitLab.
• GitHub allows collaboration by sharing code and tracking changes.

Uploading Code to GitHub

1. Create a GitHub Profile and a new repository.
2. Link local repository to GitHub:
   • Command: git remote add origin <repository_url>
3. Push changes to GitHub:
   • Command: git push origin master
   • Uploads local commits to GitHub.

Working with Branches

• Branches allow parallel development without affecting the main code.
• Create a new branch:
  • Command: git checkout -b <new_branch_name>
• Merge branches into the master branch when ready.

Collaboration on GitHub

• Other users can clone your repository and create pull requests to suggest changes.
• Review and merge pull requests to incorporate changes into the main project.

Synchronizing Local and Remote Repositories

• Always keep your local repository synced with GitHub.
• Use git pull origin master to fetch changes from GitHub.
• Push local changes to GitHub using git push origin master.

Final Thoughts

• Basic understanding of Git and GitHub essential for collaboration.
• Avoid unnecessary complexity; focus on core commands.
• GitHub can be used for tracking contributions and collaboration.
• Be mindful of contributing meaningfully rather than just for appearances.

Commands Recap

• git init

• git add .

• git commit -m "message"

• git log

• git checkout <commit_hash>

• git remote add origin <repository_url>

• git push origin master

• git checkout -b <new_branch_name>

• git pull origin master

• Encourage viewers to like and subscribe for more tips.