ProgrammingBeginner
Git and GitHub for Beginners
Master version control with Git and learn to collaborate using GitHub.
Written byJames Turner
PublishedNov 16, 2025
Time35 minutes
4clear steps
Before you begin
- Basic command line knowledge
The walkthrough
Step by step.
01
Step 1 of 4
Installing and Configuring Git
Download Git from git-scm.com. After installation, configure your identity.
bash
# Configure your name and email
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"
# Verify configuration
git config --listField note
- Use your real name and GitHub email
- This information appears in commits
02
Step 2 of 4
Creating Your First Repository
Initialize a Git repository in your project folder.
bash
# Navigate to your project folder
cd my-project
# Initialize Git repository
git init
# Check status
git statusField note
- Create .gitignore before first commit
- Initialize Git at project start
03
Step 3 of 4
Making Commits
Commits are snapshots of your project at specific points in time.
bash
# Add files to staging area
git add filename.txt
git add . # Add all files
# Create commit
git commit -m "Add initial files"
# View commit history
git log
git log --oneline # Compact viewField note
- Write clear, descriptive commit messages
- Commit frequently with logical changes
04
Step 4 of 4
Connecting to GitHub
Push your local repository to GitHub for backup and collaboration.
bash
# Add remote repository
git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git
# Push to GitHub
git push -u origin main
# Pull latest changes
git pull origin mainField note
- Create repository on GitHub first
- Use SSH keys for easier authentication
Guide complete
