Git and GitHub for Beginners A Simple Guide to Version Control
Introduction
If you are new to web development, you may have heard about Git and GitHub but felt confused about what they actually do. Simply put, Git helps you track changes in your code, while GitHub allows you to store and share your projects online. Together, they are among the most important tools for developers.
What is Git
Git is a version control system that keeps a record of every change you make in your project. Instead of overwriting files, Git saves different versions so you can go back if something breaks.
With Git, you can
- Track changes in your code
- Undo mistakes easily
- Work on different features separately
- See who changed what and when
What is GitHub
GitHub is an online platform where you can store your Git repositories. It makes collaboration easier and allows other developers to view, contribute, or review your code.
GitHub is useful for
- Hosting projects online
- Working with teams
- Contributing to open source projects
- Showcasing your portfolio to employers
Basic Git Concepts Every Beginner Should Know
Repository
A repository is simply a project folder that is being tracked by Git.
Commit
A commit is a saved snapshot of your project at a specific point in time.
Branch
A branch allows you to work on new features without affecting the main code.
Merge
Merging combines changes from one branch into another.
Basic Git Commands with Examples
Start a new Git project
git init
This creates a new Git repository inside your project folder.
Check the status of your project
git status
This shows which files are modified, added, or ready to commit.
Add files to Git
To add all files
git add .
To add a specific file
git add index.html
Save your changes with a commit
git commit -m "Initial project setup"
This saves your changes with a message describing what you did.
View commit history
git log
This shows a list of all previous commits.
Working with Branches
Create a new branch
git branch feature-login
Switch to that branch
git checkout feature-login
Or use this modern command
git switch feature-login
Merge a branch into main
First switch to main
git checkout main
Then merge
git merge feature-login
How to Use GitHub as a Beginner
Step 1 Create a GitHub Account
Go to GitHub, sign up, and create a profile.
Step 2 Create a New Repository
Click on New Repository, give it a name, and click Create.
Step 3 Connect Git to GitHub
Copy your repository link from GitHub and run
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/your-repo.git
Step 4 Push your project to GitHub
git push -u origin main
This uploads your local project to GitHub.
Step 5 Make changes and update GitHub
After editing your files, run
git add .
git commit -m "Updated homepage design"
git push
Why Beginners Should Learn Git and GitHub
Learning Git and GitHub helps you
- Write cleaner and organized code
- Work professionally with teams
- Build a strong developer portfolio
- Avoid losing your work
- Understand real world development workflows
Conclusion
Git and GitHub are essential skills for every web developer. Even as a beginner, learning these tools early will make you a better and more confident programmer. With practice, you will become comfortable managing projects, collaborating with others, and contributing to the developer community.