Git – Simple Guide

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let’s start with the basics,

Git is a version control system that is widely used for software development and other types of projects. It allows developers to track changes to their codebase and collaborate with other developers on the same project.

Git works by keeping track of changes made to a project’s files over time. When a developer makes a change to a file, Git records the change and assigns it a unique identifier called a “commit.” These commits are stored in a repository, which is a central location where all of the changes to a project are tracked.

Developers can use Git to work on the same project simultaneously, with each developer making their own commits to the repository. Git also allows developers to create branches, which are copies of the repository that allow developers to work on new features or make changes to the codebase without affecting the main version of the code.

Git is a powerful tool that is widely used in the software development industry and has a large and active community of users. It is available as a free, open-source tool and is widely used for projects of all sizes, from small personal projects to large-scale software development efforts.

Why is Git Useful

Developing software can get messy, especially when working with other developers on large projects. Soon enough you realize you need control and order. Git allows you to track the changes made by every developer and Sometimes you may want to revert the changes if they are unfit. Git allows you to review changes before merging them into your project. And most importantly Git makes it easy to branch the project if you want to work on a different idea without affecting the main flow of the project.

Git is useful for a number of reasons, including:

  1. Tracking changes: Git allows developers to track changes to their codebase over time. This makes it easy to see what changes have been made and when they were made, which can be useful for debugging, reviewing code, and tracking progress.
  2. Collaboration: Git allows multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously, with each developer making their own commits to the repository. This makes it easy for developers to collaborate on projects and share their work with others.
  3. Branching: Git allows developers to create branches, which are copies of the repository that allow developers to work on new features or make changes to the codebase without affecting the main version of the code. This makes it easy for developers to experiment with new ideas and test changes without affecting the main codebase.
  4. Versioning: Git keeps track of all changes made to a project, which allows developers to go back and access previous versions of the code if needed. This can be useful for reverting changes that cause problems or for reviewing the history of a project.
  5. Community: Git has a large and active community of users, which means that there is a wealth of resources available for learning how to use it and getting help when needed. This makes it easier for developers to get started with Git and find support when they need it.

Creating a Git Commit

I will be using Git Bash for this tutorial. There are many GUI application, such as “Git GUI”, that help with using git. I find them distracting and counter intuitive. I prefer to work with the terminal since it keeps my git skills sharp.

Change directory to your project folder.

To create a Git commit, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure that you have Git installed on your computer and that you have a repository set up for your project.
  2. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the root directory of your project.
  3. Stage your changes by running the git add command followed by the names of the files you want to include in the commit. For example, git add file1.txt file2.py will stage the changes made to file1.txt and file2.py.
  4. Commit your changes by running the git commit command followed by a commit message. The commit message should be a brief description of the changes you are committing. For example, git commit -m "Fixed bug in file1.txt" will create a commit with the message “Fixed bug in file1.txt.”
  5. Push your commit to the remote repository by running the git push command. This will upload your commit to the remote repository so that it can be shared with other developers.

It is generally a good practice to commit your changes frequently as you work on a project. This allows you to track your progress and make it easier to revert changes if necessary. It is also a good idea to include a descriptive commit message that explains the changes being made, as this will make it easier for other developers to understand the history of the project.

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