Getting Started with Git: A Beginner’s Tutorial

What is Git?

Git is a free and open-source version control system. It helps you track changes in your files, collaborate with others, and manage code history efficiently.

1. Install Git

🔹 Windows / macOS / Linux:

1. Go to the official site: https://git-scm.com/

2. Download the version for your operating system.

3. Follow the installation instructions.

4. After installing, open a terminal (Command Prompt, Git Bash, or Terminal) and type:

git --version

You should see something like:

 
git version 2.xx.x

2. Set Up Git

Before using Git, set your name and email (used for commits):

 
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

You can check your settings:

 
git config --list

3. Create or Clone a Repository

Create a new local repo

 
mkdir my-project
cd my-project
git init

This creates a new Git repository in your folder.

git clone https://github.com/username/repo-name.git
cd repo-name

4. Add and Commit Changes

Track a file:

git add filename.txt

Or add all files:

 git add .

Save a snapshot (commit):

 git commit -m "Write a short message about what you did" 

5. View the Status and History

Check what’s going on:

 git status 

See commit history:

 git log 

6. Push to GitHub (or another remote)

Make sure your repository is connected to a remote:

 git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/repo.git 

Now push your code:

 git push -u origin main 

Replace main with your branch name if needed.

7. Pull Updates from Remote

To get the latest changes from others (or from GitHub):

 git pull origin main 

Common Git Commands (Cheat Sheet)