Intro to Git
Intro
Git is the most popular version control system in the world. It allows you to track changes in your code, revert to previous versions, and collaborate with others.
The Basic Workflow
The most common way to use Git involves three main stages: the Working Directory, the Staging Area, and the Repository.
1. Initialize a Repository
If you are starting a new project (not your blog, which is already a repo), you run:
1
git init
2. Check Status
Before you do anything, it’s good to see what files have changed, you run:
1
git status
The “Big Three” Commands
To save your work to internet (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket), you will almost always run these three commands in order.
Step 1: Add (Stage)
Tell Git which files you want to save. To save everything, you run:
1
git add .
Step 2: Commit (Save)
Take a “snapshot” of your project. Always include a clear message about what you changed, you run:
1
git commit -m "Add my new Git tutorial post"
Step 3: Push (Upload)
Send your local saves to the internet (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket), you run:
1
git push origin main
Helpful “Life Saver” Commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
git clone | Downloading an existing project. |
git log | Shows your history of previous commits. |
git pull | Downloads the latest version from GitHub to your computer. |
git checkout . | Be careful! This undoes all changes since your last save. |