Take your first step into GitHub!
Tags: microsoft, github, git, beginners
Published: 2023-09-26 12:58:20

Want to start your journey as a coder? Visited the GitHub page but don't understand stuff? Worry not! I got you covered.
GitHub is a must-step to come in your journey as a coder. Here is all you need to know to get started with GitHub. In this blog post, you will find a comprehensive introduction to GitHub and its key features. We will explore how GitHub works, its benefits, the basic commands and how you can use it to your advantage.

![Github landing page](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8z1v0ts556g2srizome6.jpg)
(reference : https://nira.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image4-1.jpg)

## Understanding GitHub: An Introduction
GitHub has become an indispensable tool in the world of software development and collaboration. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, understanding the basics of GitHub can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency.

## Exploring the Basics of GitHub: Git and Github?


![Git page](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/go5lo5p7akrvnjgelk7i.png)

(Reference:https://www.oreilly.com/api/v2/epubs/9781788395038/files/assets/f101b42d-7ec6-4470-a812-850efe897415.png)
GitHub is a web-based platform that allows for version control and collaboration on projects. It is built on top of Git, a distributed version control system that helps manage changes to files and directories over time.

[](https://youtu.be/w3jLJU7DT5E)

## Advantages of using Githubs:

1. The Version Control lets you revert and revisit any stage of 
   your project building. The history of any edits made is easily 
   accessible.
2. GitHub allows easy and effective collaboration. Multiple people 
   can work on a project and the changes are noted thus letting 
   the team work efficiently.
3. Being an open source, GitHub allows people to collaborate and 
   participate in any project thus providing opportunities to 
   contribute and learn on a large scale.
4. GitHub page is a service that is ideal for hosting projects and 
   portfolios.
5. GitHub allows you to track bugs easily in your project. You 
   save a lot of time!!


![Tree diagram explaining git](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/meeldh7aqhexgpb8507i.jpeg)

(Reference: https://images.app.goo.gl/HpwAWx1joYH3n3nAA)

## Basic Git commands you need to know :

Here are some common Git commands that beginners should familiarize themselves with:

1. **git init**: Initializes a new Git repository. This is the first command you use when starting a new project.
2.  **git clone [url]**: Copies a Git repository from a remote source, and also adds the original location as a remote so you can fetch from it again and push to it if you have permission.
3. **git status**: This command informs you about the state of your workspace.
4. **git add [file]**: Adds a change in the file to the staging area for Git. It tells Git that you want to include updates from a particular file in the next commit.
5. **git commit -m "[descriptive message]"**: Records or snapshots the file permanently in the version history with a message describing the changes.
6. **git push [alias] [branch]**: Pushes your changes to a remote repository.
7. **git pull**: Fetches the latest changes from the remote repository and merges them with your local one. This command is a combination of `git fetch` and `git merge`.
8. **git branch**: Allows you to create, view, and delete branches.
9. **git checkout [branch]**: Switches you from one branch to another.
10. **git merge [branch]**: Merges the specified branch’s history into the current one.
Knowing these commands and practicing them will help you get your way around with Git Hub. Keep practicing!!

## GitHub for Beginners: Essential Tips and Tricks

If you are new to GitHub, here are some essential tips and tricks to get started:

1. Understand the Basics of Version Control: Familiarize yourself with the concept of version control, which allows you to track changes to your code and collaborate.
2. Learn the Git Workflow: It is essential to understand how Git works and how to use its commands.
3. Start Small: Pick a small project first to learn and experiment with GitHub features.
4. Explore: Spend time exploring on Git Hub, observing other projects and learning.

And! that's it. Intake all that and _breathe_. You got this!
For more such informational blogs, stay tuned!
Remember, 

> The rewards of mastering GitHub will undoubtedly be worth the effort.

![Brain powered gif](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4payhm6jki4qwcan50xh.gif)