Introduction to Github

Collaboration and version control are important for software development. GitHub has become an important platform for developers, enabling seamless teamwork and efficient project management. In this article, we'll introduce you to GitHub, explaining what it is, how it works, and why it's a must-have tool for developers.

What Is Version Control?

A system called version control, sometimes referred to as source control or revision control, keeps track of changes made to a file or group of files over time so that you may retrieve particular versions at a later time. Although it can be applied to any circumstance where several versions of something are made and may need to be monitored and recalled, it is most frequently employed in software development.

What is GitHub?

GitHub is a web-based platform that uses Git, a version control system, to help developers manage and track changes in their code. It allows multiple people to collaborate on a project, track revisions, and contribute to code from anywhere in the world. GitHub offers both free and paid plans, catering to individuals and large organizations alike.

Key Features of GitHub

1. Version Control

GitHub's core functionality is based on Git, which allows you to keep track of changes in your code over time. This means you can always revert to a previous version if something goes wrong, compare different versions, and understand the history of your project.

2. Repositories

A repository (or repo) is a central place where all the files for a project are stored. Each repository can hold multiple files and folders, and it tracks the history of every change made. Repositories can be public (accessible to everyone) or private (restricted access).

3. Branches

Branches are a crucial feature in GitHub that enable parallel development. You can create a branch to work on a new feature or fix a bug without affecting the main codebase. Once your changes are ready, you can merge the branch back into the main branch.

4. Pull Requests

Pull requests are a way to propose changes to a repository. When you submit a pull request, you're asking the project maintainers to review and merge your changes into the main codebase. This feature promotes collaboration and ensures code quality through peer review.

5. Issues and Project Management

GitHub provides tools to track bugs, enhancements, and other tasks through the Issues feature. You can create issues, assign them to team members, and track their progress. GitHub also offers project boards for more advanced project management.

6. Actions and Automation

GitHub Actions allow you to automate workflows, such as running tests or deploying code, directly from your repository. This feature enhances productivity and ensures consistency across development processes.

Getting Started with GitHub

1. Creating a GitHub Account

Step 1: Go to github.com and enter the required user credentials asked on the site and then click on the SignUp for GitHub button.

3. Creating a Repository

To create a new repository on GitHub, follow these steps:

Step 1: Then Click on Finish Sign Up. The account has been created. The user is automatically redirected to your Dashboard. 

To create a new repository on GitHub, follow these steps:

1. Go to GitHub and log in.
2. Click the "+" icon in the upper right corner and select "New repository."
3. Enter a repository name and description.
4. Choose whether the repository will be public or private.
5. Click "Create repository."

How To Upload Existing Repository to GitHub 

• The system should have git installed in it if not install git. Make sure to choose Run git from Windows Command prompt option during installation. Otherwise, open git bash in place of step 2.
• Open Terminal (for Mac users) or the command prompt (for Windows and Linux users).
• Change the current working directory to your local project
• Initialize the local directory as a git repository in different ways as described in the image.

git init 

• A new .git folder is created in the directory which is by default hidden.
• Add the files in your new local repository. This stages them for the first commit.

git add .
#Adds the files in the local repository and stages them for commit. To unstage a file, use 
git reset HEAD YOUR_FILE 

Commit the files that you've staged in your local repository.

git commit -m 'First commit'
# Commits the tracked changes and prepares them to be pushed to a remote repository. 
  To remove this commit and modify the file, use
git reset --soft HEAD~1
  And commit and add the file again.     

At the top of the GitHub repository's Quick Setup page, click on the icon shown and copy the remote repository URL. 

In the Command prompt, add the URL for the remote repository where your local repository will be pushed.

git remote add origin remote repository URL

 # Connects to the remote repository 
git remote -v
 # Verifies the new remote URL 

Push the changes in your local repository to GitHub.

git push origin master
# Pushes the changes in your local repository up to the remote repository you specified as the origin.    

And here you go...  

You may download changes from remote repository to local repository using the command:

git pull

Difference Between Git And GitHub

Git Commands  

• An Ultimate Guide to Git and Github
• List of useful Github Commands

Companies and Projects Using GIT  

• The reputed and dream job companies of all the geeks like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Netflix make use of GIT.
• Open source projects like Ruby On Rails, jQuery, Perl, Debian, the Linux Kernel, and many more make use of git.