Git & GitHub Crash Course for Beginners [2026]

by freeCodeCamp.org

📚 Main Topics

  1. Introduction to Git and GitHub

    • Difference between Git (version control tool) and GitHub (cloud repository).
    • Analogy: Git is like coffee, GitHub is the coffee shop.
  2. Core Concepts of Git

    • Git tracks changes in files, including code, images, and text.
    • Maintains multiple versions of files, allowing easy rollback to previous states.
  3. Git Workflow

    • Working DirectoryWhere you make changes.
    • Staging AreaPrepares changes for commit.
    • Local RepositoryStores committed changes.
  4. Basic Git Commands

    • git init: Initializes a new repository.
    • git add: Stages changes.
    • git commit: Saves changes to the local repository.
    • git status: Shows the current state of the repository.
  5. Remote Repositories

    • GitHub as a central hub for collaboration.
    • Commands for pushing (git push), fetching (git fetch), and pulling (git pull) changes.
  6. Branching and Merging

    • Creating branches for independent development.
    • Merging branches to combine changes.
    • Handling merge conflicts.
  7. Advanced Git Features

    • StashingTemporarily saving changes to switch branches without losing work.
    • RevertingUndoing changes from a previous commit without deleting the commit.
    • RebasingIntegrating changes from one branch into another without creating a merge commit.
  8. Pull Requests

    • Requesting to merge changes from one branch to another.
    • Reviewing changes before merging to maintain code quality.

✨ Key Takeaways

  • Git is essential for version control, allowing developers to track changes and collaborate effectively.
  • Understanding the Git workflow (working directory, staging area, and repository) is crucial for efficient use.
  • Branching allows for safe experimentation without affecting the main codebase.
  • Commands like git push, git fetch, and git pull are fundamental for working with remote repositories.
  • Pull requests facilitate code review and collaboration in team environments.

🧠 Lessons

  • Version ControlAlways use Git to manage changes in your projects to avoid losing work.
  • CollaborationUse GitHub for team projects to centralize code and facilitate collaboration.
  • Branching StrategyDevelop a branching strategy to keep the main branch stable while allowing for feature development.
  • Conflict ResolutionLearn how to handle merge conflicts to maintain a smooth workflow.
  • Continuous LearningGit is a powerful tool that evolves; keep learning to leverage its full potential.

This course provides a solid foundation for beginners to understand and effectively use Git and GitHub in their development workflows.

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