Git Basics
Table of contents
Git has become an essential tool for software developers, enabling collaboration, version control, and efficient project management. If you're new to Git, getting started can feel overwhelming. But fear not! In this short blog, we'll cover the basics of Git, from understanding what it is to mastering essential commands. By the end, you'll be ready to start using Git confidently in your projects.
Key Concepts
Repository (Repo): A Git repository is a storage location where your project files and version history are stored.
Commit: A commit is a snapshot of your project at a specific point in time. It records changes made to files and includes a commit message describing the changes.
Branch: A branch is a separate line of development that diverges from the main codebase. It allows you to work on features or fixes without affecting the main branch.
Merge: Merging combines changes from different branches into a single branch, typically the main branch (often called master or main).
Pull Request: A pull request is a request to merge changes from one branch into another. It allows team members to review, discuss, and approve code changes before merging them.
Essential Commands
git init: Initializes a new Git repository in the current directory.
git add: Adds changes to the staging area, preparing them to be committed.
git commit: Commits changes in the staging area to the repository, creating a new snapshot.
git status: Shows the current status of files in the repository, including changes that have been staged or not.
git branch: Lists existing branches and allows you to create, delete, or switch between branches.
git merge: Merges changes from one branch into another.
git pull: Fetches changes from a remote repository and merges them into the current branch.
git push: Pushes local commits to a remote repository.
Git is a powerful tool that can change the way you and your team collaborate on projects. By mastering the basics of Git, you'll unlock a world of possibilities for version control, collaboration, and efficient project management. So dive in, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's what version control is for!