Introduction to Github

GitHub is a web-based platform built around Git that enables version control, collaboration, and project management for software development teams.

• Git performs version control by tracking and managing code changes.
• GitHub hosts Git repositories and provides collaboration tools.
• Supports team collaboration, code reviews, and remote contributions.
• Offers free and paid plans for individuals and organizations.

Features of GitHub

The below are key features of GitHub:

1. Version Control

GitHub is a web-based platform that hosts Git repositories and supports collaborative software development.

• Git handles version control by tracking code changes.
• GitHub hosts repositories and enables team collaboration.
• Branches allow parallel development without affecting the main branch.
• Pull requests support code review and merging.

2. Repositories

In GitHub, a repository is a central place where a project’s code and related files are stored and managed.

• Hosts project files and folders on GitHub.
• Maintains the complete change history using Git.
• Can be public or private.

3. Branches

Branches in GitHub allow developers to work on changes independently without affecting the main branch.

• Support parallel work on features or fixes.
• Keep the main branch stable.
• Changes are merged after completion.

4. Pull Requests

Pull requests allow developers to propose and review changes before merging them into the main branch.

• Used to propose changes to a repository.
• Enable code review before merging.
• Allow discussion and feedback on changes.
• Help maintain code quality.

5. Issues and Project Management

GitHub Issues and project boards help manage tasks and track project progress.

• Track bugs, features, and tasks using Issues.
• Organize and monitor work with project boards.

6. Actions and Automation

GitHub Actions automate development workflows directly from a repository.

• Automate tasks like testing, building, and deployment.
• Improve productivity and workflow consistency.

Getting Started with GitHub

Step 1: Creating a GitHub Account

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

Step 2: Creating a Repository

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."

👁 GitHub Creating Repository

Upload Existing Repository to GitHub

Upload a local Git repository to GitHub by connecting it to a remote repository and pushing the code.

• Install Git and select “Run Git from Windows Command Prompt” (or use Git Bash)
• Open Terminal (macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows/Linux)
• Navigate to the project directory
• Initialize the directory as a Git repository

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 .

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

git commit -m "First commit"

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

👁 Copy GitHub URL

Add the remote repository URL to link your local repository with GitHub:

git remote add origin <remote-repository-URL>

Verify the configured remote URL:

git remote -v

Push the local repository to GitHub:

git branch -M main
git push -u origin main  

👁 GitHub Repository

Download changes from a remote repository to your local repository using:

git pull

Difference between Git and GitHub

The below table helps you to understand the difference between Git and GitHub: