Git & GitHubInteractive

What's inside

Lessons go from the basics to advanced topics. Read them in order, or jump to what you need.

1. 01

   Chapter 1

   Understanding Git

   • 1Introduction to Git and GitHubDiscover the problem everyone has with keeping versions of a project, how Git solves it, and the difference between Git on your computer and the GitHub website.
   • 2How Git WorksUnderstand the big idea behind Git: three areas (the working directory, the staging area and the repository) and commits that save complete snapshots of your project.
   • 3Install and Set Up GitInstall Git on Windows, macOS or Linux, check the installation with git --version, then tell Git your name and email once.
   • 4Terminal BasicsLearn the few terminal commands you need: finding where you are, moving between folders, and creating and reading files, before you start with Git.
2. 02

   Chapter 2

   Daily Workflow

   • 5Create a RepositoryTurn any folder into a Git repository with git init, meet the hidden .git folder that stores your project's whole history, and the git status command you'll use every day.
   • 6The Staging Area (git add)Learn how to choose which changes go into the next commit with git add, and why the staging area exists at all.
   • 7Your First CommitSave the first snapshot of your project with git commit, learn what a commit contains, and view the history with git log.
   • 8Tracking Changes (git diff)See exactly what changed in your files before committing, with git status, git diff and git diff --staged.
   • 9Writing Good Commit MessagesA good commit message is a note to your teammates and to your future self. Learn the rules professionals follow, and the Conventional Commits style.
   • 10Undoing ChangesMade a mistake? No problem. Learn to unstage with git restore --staged, discard edits with git restore, and fix your last commit safely.
3. 03

   Chapter 3

   Branching and Merging

   • 11BranchesA branch is a parallel line of work where you can experiment safely without touching the main version. Learn to create branches and switch between them with git branch and git switch.
   • 12Merging BranchesBring one branch's work into another with git merge, and understand the difference between a fast-forward merge and a merge commit.
   • 13Resolving Merge ConflictsA conflict happens when two branches change the same line in different ways. No need to panic: learn to read conflict markers and resolve them step by step.
4. 04

   Chapter 4

   GitHub and Remotes

   • 14GitHub Account and First RepositoryCreate your GitHub account and get to know its interface, then create your first online repository and understand the difference between public and private.
   • 15Pushing Your Project to GitHubConnect your local repository to GitHub with git remote add, upload your commits with git push, and learn the ways to authenticate: HTTPS, access tokens and SSH.
   • 16Pull and FetchBring your teammates' work from GitHub: git fetch downloads new commits without touching your files, and git pull downloads them and merges them into your branch.
   • 17Cloning a RepositoryDownload a complete copy of any GitHub repository to your computer with git clone, including its whole history and its connection to the source.
5. 05

   Chapter 5

   Collaboration

   • 18Pull Requests and the GitHub FlowLearn how professional teams work: a branch for every change, then a pull request that teammates review before it lands in main.
   • 19Forks and Contributing to Open SourceContribute to projects you can't push to: create your own copy (a fork), clone it, then send your changes to the original project with a pull request.
6. 06

   Chapter 6

   Essential Tools

   • 20Ignoring Files (.gitignore)Tell Git which files it should never track, like the node_modules/ folder and the secrets in .env, with a .gitignore file.
   • 21Exploring and Reverting HistoryTravel through your project's history with git log and git show, safely undo a bad commit with git revert, and learn when git reset fits better.
   • 22More GitHub FeaturesGitHub is more than a place to store code: meet Issues, Projects, Releases, GitHub Pages and GitHub Actions.
7. 07

   Chapter 7

   Reference and Next Steps

   • 23Git Cheat SheetAll the important Git commands in one place, grouped by task with a short explanation of each. Bookmark this page!
   • 24Pro Habits and Next StepsYou finished the course! Review the habits that set professionals apart with Git and GitHub, and discover what to learn next.